Gscene News Archive

The Jubilee Library in association with the City Council's LGBT Workers' Forum and the Justin Campaign are organising an afternoon and evening of premier league entertainment at the city's coolest public venue; marrying the world of football and queer culture together for one spectacular day on Saturday March 7 from 1pm-11pm.

Sponsored by Gscene magazine and Winter Pride, this event will see this most public of libraries and square transformed for the day into a wild, exciting and competitive camp gay sports venue in the afternoon, and a laidback and sophisticated jazz dive in the evening.

The Justin Campaign Football Festival kicks off at 1pm on Jubilee Square. The Square will become a five-a-side football stadium for three hours, where the public can show off their skills. Surrounding this will be a Gay Football Expo, with teams from the Gay Football Supporters' Network League and beyond running stalls and giving out information.

At 3.45pm, a very special football team will be unveiled. The Justin Fashanu All-Stars are a football team open to anyone who wants to play, in tournaments (gay or otherwise) and friendlies, representing The Justin Campaign. The Justin Campaign was founded by players from the Brighton Bandits football team last May to raise awareness about homophobia in football. Their new kit will be unveiled, and the squad announced for its first fixtures - at the Gay Football Supporters' Network Five-a-Side tournament in Yorkshire.

Centrepiece of the day's footballing activities will be a table football competition open to 32 two-person teams. The tournament will have an opening ceremony, with games and interviews shown on a plasma screen with internationally famous avant-garde performer Jonny Woo commentating on the action. The final will be played on a pink table created by local conceptual artist, Jason Hall - the queer table football Wembley!

Fancy dress is encouraged for the tournament, with a football theme - players past and present, WAGs, referees, pundits, mascots - whatever you like!

Also taking place is a live-action Spot the Ball competition, Queer Subbuteo, and a pools competition. If you would like to enter the table football tournament, which costs £10 for a two-man team (£40 for two-man corporate teams).
Please email justincampaign@googlemail.com

After a closing ceremony hosted by Jonny Woo, the library lights will dim and the Jubilee Library will change into a jazz cabaret venue until 11pm. Hosted by Nicky Mitchell, who be will showcasing live music from the best up-and-coming LGBT bands and musicians, including sensational rock chicks The Calvary and Amy Giles.

Volunteers are needed on the day to act as stewards and helpers for the football tournament. If you can help email justincampaign@googlemail.com

The Justin Campaign is looking for £1,500 sponsorship to pay for the cost of their tracksuits and kit. Sponsors' names will be prominent. If you can help email justincampaign@googlemail.com