Speed Friending was born from direct feedback from our community, who wanted a safe, low-pressure way to meet other queer people and build new friendships.
From the outset, our aim was to create an event that welcomed every part of the LGBTQ+ community while being accessible and neurodivergent friendly. The concept was first developed and piloted at Storyhouse Queer 2026, a festival run by Storyhouse in partnership with Chester Pride. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Following the festival we were asked for Speed Friending to become a regular event throughout the year.
Since then we’ve hosted successful sessions in February and May, each attracting an average of more than 25 attendees. The impact has already been clear. New friendships have formed, confidence has grown, and people who may not have otherwise connected have found a welcoming community. We’re excited to continue building on this success and helping even more people make meaningful connections in the months ahead.