Pen Fight X Mirage
Pen Fight is thrilled to be taking over Mirage for a 4-week Fridays takeover! Mirage is a dreamy queer bar and arts space located inside Salford’s Islington Mill. We’ve created a series events for artists, art lovers, queers, feminists, zinesters, weirdos, butches & femmes, punx, and other outsiders. Come meet friends old and new, get your creative juices going or just soak up the art vibes.
Events
May 26th (6-9pm) – Zine Club
Zine Club is a space where anyone can read, make zines, collaborate, be shown what a zine is and how to make one, work on an existing project, or ask more seasoned zine-makers any practical questions.
Just come and have a nice hang out and a chat with us! Zines to read and materials will be provided, but feel free to bring along anything you might want to use or donate – Book your space here
June 2nd (6-9pm) – Queer Craft Club: badge making
Queer Craft Club is a LGBTQIA+ club, to get together and make arts and crafts. This is a safe, encouraging, relaxed space to get together and make things. All abilities welcome, all just for the joy of doing things with your hands.
You’re can bring along a craft project you’re currently working on or join in with that month’s group activity which will be making pin badges! – Book your space here
June 23rd (doors 7pm) – Speed Friending
Want to get to know some lovely people from Salford and Manchester? Come along for a night of fun low-pressure activities and a chance to meet new like-minded people in a safe friendly environment. Along with some speed friending we’ll be providing a whole host of interactive games and ways to connect (don’t worry – it will all be optional!) Or sit back, have a drink from the Mirage bar and take in the atmosphere.
If you’d like to come along solo to this but are feeling nervous please email us – penfightdistro@gmail.com, we can answer any questions or set you up with a buddy. Please note this event is 18+
June 30th (doors 7pm) – Art Swap
Art for everyone! Everyone should have access to make art! Everyone should be able to access art! Take the capitalism out of sharing art for a night and come take part in Art Swap!
Bring along small art pieces of any kind – prints, zines, small paintings, books, sculptures, jewellery, crafts, badges, drawings, recorded music, or any other kind of physical art or craft work is welcome* – and exchange it for another piece of art to take home.
*as long as it’s not discriminatory in nature.
Materials will be available to do some spur-of the-moment art making that you can also trade. So come trade, take in the art, chat over a drink or make something brand new with us. – Book your space here
About the venue
Location
Mirage is located on the ground floor of Islington Mill, 1 James Street, Salford, M3 5HW
Access
Mirage is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet available. The doors are not power-assisted. Lighting in the venue is soft and pink-hued but otherwise well lit. Plenty of seating will be available (both high stools and lower chairs with backs). There will be soft background music at Zine Club and Queer Craft Club, with louder music at the other 2 events. Alcohol may be available at all events. There won’t be a dedicated quiet space but outside Mirage there is a sofa you could take a break on. If you need further information or have any requests please email penfightdistro@gmail.com (please allow 24 hours before an event to guarantee a reply in time).
Safer Spaces
We expect all our attendees to treat each other with respect and kindness our events. As queer-run organisations, we centre queer, trans, non-binary people and women at our events. We will not tolerate any forms of discrimination, harmful behaviour, or sexual harassment. Please use correct pronouns for others (ask if you’re not sure), and remember to gain consent before engaging in physical contact with someone. Please talk to event staff or hosts if you have any issues.
Event Photos
