Burlesque Festival returns this weekend celebrating ten years
This year’s Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival (HBBF), an annual event established in 2013, is set to return to the stage and is marking the 10th anniversary of the festival.
The festival will return on April 27 to 30 and will be taking place at various venues in the Upper Calder Valley, including five live evening shows at the Todmorden Hippodrome theatre.
Lady Wildflower, who produces the festival said: “I am so excited to bring back the Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival in 2023 to celebrate our 10th anniversary.”
HBBF opens on Thursday, April 27 with the Legend in the
Making newcomers competition – the most prestigious burlesque competition in the country. Ten upcoming artists from all over the UK will compete for the title in front of a panel of industry professionals and an audience vote.
On Friday, April 28, there are two shows running back to back. First up is the Laugh Your Knickers Off comedy cabaret – a show which celebrates the funniest side of burlesque and alternative cabaret. Next up on the Friday evening is The Late Night Quickie – a foray into the edgier side of cabaret.
On Saturday, April 29, the Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival Gala takes place as the highlight of the weekend. Starring the crème de la crème of burlesque, cabaret, comedy and circus entertainment, the gala will be headlined by international burlesque royalty, Medianoche, who will be flying to the UK from the USA to perform exclusively at HBBF.
The festival goes out with a bang on Sunday, April 30 with Live and Stripping. The worlds of burlesque and live music collide in this show. There will be hula hooping from Manchester’s Natasha Moonshine and Italian burlesque dancer, Freaky Candy, will be flying in for this very unique show.
During the day on the Saturday and Sunday, HBBF promises to keep attendees busy with a programme of workshops and master-classes from travelling artists taking place at the Todfellows Space on Oxford Street, Todmorden.
The Burlesque Bazaar, a market with a variety of stalls and tea and cake, will take place at The Old Cooperative Building on Rochdale Road, Todmorden, 11.30am-5pm.
For more information visit: www.hebdenbridgeburlesquefestival.co.uk