Dress in style for this Halloween’s Polari

Hosted by author Paul Burston, the lineup features local talent and visiting writers and is a must for anyone with an interest in literature and live performance, “whatever their sexual bent.”

Polari began way back in November 2007 and has attracted a devoted following while it continues to grow as an iconic celebration of LGBT passion, inspiration, literature and music.

“Hastings has really embraced Polari” said Paul.

“The level of support from the public has been incredible and the feedback from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive. Tonight’s lineup is one of our strongest yet, with plenty of award-winning talent. And it’s our Halloween bash, so feel free to dress up. There’ll be a prize for best costume.”

The line-up has Di Perry who lives in St Leonards. She’s been writing poetry for many years, concentrating mainly on her love of travel, nature and life in general. She has two sons who are printers and produced two books of her poems - ‘This Moment’ and ‘Listening to Silence’.

Erica Smith will be reading an excerpt from her first novel. Set in 21st century Mugsborough, it celebrates the colourful lives of the working poor in a town that could almost be Hastings.

Paul McVeigh was born in Belfast and is based in Brighton. His debut novel ‘The Good Son’ was published in April and has been shortlisted for the Guardian ‘Not The Booker’ Prize. Paul is Director of London Short Story Festival and Associate Director at Word Factory, the UK’s leading short story salon.

Christopher Green is an Olivier award-winning performer and entertainer and was the first artist in residence at the British Library. His solo work includes comic creations such as US country music singer Tina C and pensioner rap star Ida Barr, both of whom appear regularly on BBC Radio 4. He makes theatre shows such as Office Party and The Frozen Scream, written with one of the UK’s best-selling novelists, Sarah Waters. He is trained in both hypnosis and hypnotherapy. His book ‘Overpowered!’ is the first popular, illustrated history of hypnosis.

Author and critic Adam Mars-Jones’ books include ‘Pilcrow’, ‘Blind Bitter Happiness’, ‘Monopolies of Loss’, ‘The Darker Proof: Stories from a Crisis’ and ‘Mae West is Dead’. His latest book is ‘Kid Gloves’, a memoir about his troubled relationship with his father. Tickets £8, concs £6.