UK's largest queer festival to take place in breathtaking Devon surroundings
The UK’s largest festival celebrating the lesbian, bi, trans, and queer women and non-binary community is moving locations after growing in popularity. Out & Wild Festival is set to return 'bigger and better than ever' from June 13 to 16 2025 at its new location near Bideford, North Devon.
The festival, which has grown fourfold, will offer even more experiences and activities in breath-taking surroundings. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to unveil our new home for the Out & Wild Festival,” says Polly Shute, Co-Founder of the festival.
“The Devon location is just perfect for our focus on wellness, outdoors and connections.. Our research tells us that the community is looking for spaces to celebrate their identity that move beyond the usual crowded streets and over drinking. And we know that Pride is so important in rural communities.”
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Polly adds: “We are also delighted with the warm welcome from the South West and are already partnering with Cornwall, Plymouth and Exeter Pride as well as local venues like The Big Sheep in Bideford.”
Since its inception during the pandemic, Out & Wild has grown from a bold idea to the UK’s premier festival for queer women, trans and non-binary individuals, providing a unique blend of music, comedy, wellness, sports, spoken word and creative workshops, as well as a safe, inclusive space for individuals to come together and connect. After a successful pilot in 2021 and a sold-out event in 2022, the festival has solidified its place as a must-attend Pride Month celebration.
As well as supporting an audience that often feels left behind at existing Pride and LGBTQIA+ events, Out & Wild provides a vital platform for female and non-binary music and comedy acts. Out & Wild is the only member of the UK Pride Organisers Network that focuses on queer women, and is the only event that takes place during Pride month that’s organised by gay women/non-binary/trans for this community.
A stunning new location
The new site near Bideford in Devon is a private outdoor adventure venue just 30 minutes walk from the sea. There are on-site accommodation options including camping, campervan spots, glamping and shared room bookings.
This year, there is a lake for wild swimming and SUP lessons, as well as a climbing wall, high ropes, archery and obstacle course. Expanded workshops and wellness spaces offer creative writing, yoga, gong baths and more.
“This site allows us to build on what makes Out & Wild so special while introducing new experiences like Nordic walking, surfing excursions, and even mountain boarding,” adds Polly. “It’s all about creating meaningful connections through shared experiences.”
What to expect in 2025?
From main stage music and comedy to intimate workshops, the festival curates a vibrant mix of activities across its three days. Highlights include:
Wellness and fitness classes, from forest bathing to circuits and dance
Daily hikes and group sports like football and volleyball and surfing
Spoken Word and Talks from award winning queer female and non-binary authors, poets and influencers
A variety of food and drink options, including vegan and gluten-free meals, alongside three bars and a pop-up coffee van
Evening entertainment, such music, comedy, silent DJ sets and fire-pit singalongs
A focus on community and inclusivity
Polly Shute, who has spent over a decade championing LGBTQIA+ events, explains the festival’s enduring ethos: “Out & Wild is about more than entertainment; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for queer women and non-binary people to come together.”
Out and Wild works with national organisation The F-List to provide a platform for queer music and comedy artists, and support new queer talent. The festival is a vital space to address intersectional diversity on stages and in the music industry.
The safe space element is important, with research showing that 40% of women under 40 receiving unwanted sexual behaviour at festivals Two in five young female festival goers have been subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour | YouGov. Out & Wild has also always been trans and non-binary inclusive and has seen a growth in female allies who love its focus on inclusivity, kindness and community.
With its spectacular new setting and expanded offerings, the 2025 festival promises to set a new standard for LGBTQIA+ events in the UK. “Honestly, it was probably the best weekend of my life. I am so overcome with emotion when I think about how incredible it was for me. I felt such overwhelming joy and peace at Out & Wild which I don't think could be replicated by any other experience” - 2024 Festival Goer.
Tickets for Out & Wild Festival 2025 are available now. For more information, visit Out & Wild’s official website: www.outandwild.co.uk