METRO Charity were invited by Festival.org to create and display 11 seasonal LGBTQ+-themed wreaths, on illuminated doors, as part of this year's annual light installation. The wreaths, designed by our team, service users and volunteers, acted as a doorstep welcome to our local queer community.
Sparkle in the Park is an annual winter wonderland light trail, which takes place at Charlton House, running from Friday 29th November - to Sunday 1st December 2024. The trail included stunning light features and illuminations, telling stories from around the world, with cosy festive markets and refreshments, a fun fair and pop-up performances.
METRO's contribution was to the Winter Light Tales section, where four different community groups took part, showing how different communities come together at this time of year.
Open up your door
Our section focused around different takes on seasonal Christmas wreaths, with 11 different wreaths on 11 different coloured doors - each one linked to the colours of the Progress Pride Flag.
Each wreath explored different facets of LGBTQIA+ experiences and identities, reflecting on some of the challenges that can be faced during the festive season, but also celebrating activism and queer joy!
We also developed a series of "top tips for LGBTQ+ allies", so folks can continue learning after the event. Check them out below!
Click on each of the doors below to find out what each wreath represents: