There’s something quietly magical happening on Scotland’s west coast — and if you haven’t experienced it yet, this could be your year
BY OBAN LESBIAN+ WEEKEND, IMAGES PROVIDED
Oban Lesbian+ Weekend returns from 3–7 September 2026, celebrating its fifth birthday with an expanded programme of performers, workshops and immersive experiences. This year, it’s evolving beyond a long weekend into a full Oban Lesbian+ Week, with optional small-group island trips and activities running throughout.
With flexible payment plans starting from just £20 a month, it’s also the last chance to secure your place before accommodation in Oban fills up.
Hosting the Weekend: Killpussy
At the heart of the weekend is connection — and helping to bring that energy to life this year is performer and host Killpussy (Lise), who will co-host alongside founder Maz Gordon.
Known for her bold stage presence and multi-layered career, Killpussy brings decades of experience across performance, event production and music. As lead singer of punk band The Antibanned, and with over 30 years working internationally as a dominatrix, she’s no stranger to commanding a room.
Across the weekend, she’ll be co-hosting both the main evening programme and daytime excursions — from island trips to wildlife adventures — before taking to the stage herself with a burlesque performance as part of Sunday night’s cabaret.
Comedy Spotlight: Kat Powell
Joining the lineup is rising Glasgow comedian Kat Powell, fresh from her debut solo show Why Am I Like This?
Her work blends sharp humour with personal storytelling, drawing on her experiences growing up as a neurodivergent queer woman in a Christian family. Following appearances in the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year Awards and regular slots on Scotland’s queer comedy circuit, she’s quickly becoming one to watch.
Sunday Night Finale: Andrea Kenny
Sunday night’s closing cabaret will build to a powerful finale with Andrea Kenny, and it’s a moment the festival is particularly excited about.
Former frontwoman of Leicester favourites The Brandy Thieves, Andrea is a powerhouse singer-songwriter with over 20 years of international performing and writing behind her. Known for her raw, blues-tinged vocals and emotionally rich songwriting, her live shows are often described as an “emotional and joyous rollercoaster.”
Her set at Oban will combine original material with iconic rock classics — including tracks from artists such as Skunk Anansie, Alanis Morissette and The Cranberries — creating a high-energy, singalong atmosphere to close the weekend. With previous appearances at major UK festivals including Bearded Theory, Boomtown and the Acoustic Festival of Britain, she brings a big-stage presence to Oban’s intimate setting.
Film, Culture & Community
The programme also includes a screening of the documentary 3,000 Lesbians Go To York, followed by a Q&A with director Rachel Dax — a fitting addition for a weekend rooted in shared experience and queer community.
More Than a Festival
What sets Oban Lesbian+ Weekend apart is its focus on experience as much as entertainment.
Learn to Paddleboard or Wild Swim Around the Island of Kerrera
Come and explore the beautiful, tiny island of Kerrera — one of the true highlights of the week.
With fully qualified paddleboarding instructors and swimming coaches on hand, you’ll have the opportunity to try something new or build your confidence in a safe, supportive environment. Whether you’re gliding across the water or taking the plunge with a wild swim, it’s an experience that stays with you.
If you prefer a slower pace, you can hike to the historic Gylen Castle, take in sweeping coastal views, or simply relax and watch live performances set against an unforgettable island backdrop — perhaps with an ice cream made from Kerrera cows in hand.
Back on the mainland, the daytime programme continues to offer a wide range of ways to connect — from wildlife boat trips where you might spot dolphins, seals and sea eagles, to foraging, sound baths, yoga and time in outdoor hot tubs and saunas by the sea.
Importantly, the festival also creates space for those who prefer a more mindful or sober experience. A dedicated Sober Social offers the chance to meet like-minded women in a relaxed environment, and the bar serves a thoughtful range of CBD drinks and mocktails — meaning no one is left feeling on the outside of the experience.
After Dark
As evening falls, the atmosphere shifts. The dancefloor fills for what is believed to be the world’s only ceilidh exclusively for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people, bringing everyone together in a joyful, shared moment.
We’re also delighted to welcome back DJ Trendy Wendy, who performed at our very first event and is a true legend on the Scottish DJ scene. Her return feels like a full-circle moment — and you can expect packed dancefloors and serious energy late into the night.
Sunday’s cabaret brings everything together — comedy, poetry, music and burlesque — before Andrea Kenny closes the weekend on a high.
What makes Oban Lesbian+ Weekend stand apart is not just the nights out, but the connections in between. It’s one of the only festivals where you might find yourself making new friends over a hosted dinner, or, if you’re keeping things budget-friendly, cooking together and sharing stories back at the YHA — moments that often become just as memorable as the performances themselves.
Stay Your Way
Accommodation remains a key part of the experience, and it’s booking quickly.
While single rooms have largely sold out, there are still a few left and options available, including seafront hotels and the much-loved YHA takeover. With themed dorms — including trans/non-binary, quiet and age-specific options — the YHA has become a social hub where many guests meet for the first time. If you’d like to go all out, The 4 star Alexandra hotel has a pool and seaview.
Stay on and make it Oban Lesbian+ Week
Due to popular demand if you want to stay all week, OLW are hosting island day trips to Tobermory on Mull and Easdale island. Once you arrive you won’t want to leave! Guests will get a free drink, and have the opportunity to go wild swimming in the slate quarries on Easdale, hiking and swimming on Mull or check out the Tobermory distillery tour.
Come Solo, Leave Connected
One of the defining features of Oban Lesbian+ Weekend is how easy it is to attend alone.
From the opening quiz and icebreakers to shared meals and group activities, the entire weekend is designed to help people connect. Many arrive solo — and leave with friendships, stories and plans to return the following year.
Don’t Miss Your Chance
With demand growing each year and accommodation in Oban filling quickly, early booking is strongly recommended.
For those looking for something more than a typical festival — something rooted in connection, nature and community — Oban Lesbian+ Weekend offers a rare kind of experience.
Find out more and book: www.obanlesbianweekend.co.uk
Join the community: facebook.com/groups/491180415883273
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
