Alan Cumming is set to launch a new festival dedicated exclusively to celebrating the creativity and cultural contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. The event, named Out in the Hills, will take place in January 2026 in Pitlochry, a scenic village in the Scottish Highlands. Cumming, well-known for his dynamic roles in theatre, film, and television, frames this initiative as a unique cultural milestone. Speaking to Attitude Magazine, he highlighted the festival as a rare opportunity for queer artists and performers to express themselves openly in a setting that embraces community and dialogue alongside artistic expression.
The festival promises a diverse programme including theatre, music, film, dance, and discussions covering a wide range of topics—from football to crime writing and baking. It aims to create a space where the human experience, seen through the lens of the Highlands, can be explored intimately and creatively. Notable figures scheduled to participate include Sir Ian McKellen, Graham Norton, acclaimed crime writer Val McDermid, author Armistead Maupin, percussionist Evelyn Glennie, and poet Jackie Kay, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to blending artistic excellence with community engagement.
Alan Cumming’s enthusiasm for the project reflects his long-standing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and artistic freedom. Over the years, he has used his acting career to challenge traditional boundaries and champion diverse narratives, with memorable performances in productions such as Cabaret and appearances on television series like The Good Wife. This festival is another step in his broader mission to create inclusive spaces where queer voices can be amplified, particularly in non-urban settings that are less commonly associated with LGBTQ+ cultural events.
The announcement of Out in the Hills has been met with mainly positive reactions from supporters who see it as a vital addition to the UK’s LGBTQ+ cultural landscape. However, there has been some debate around the claim of novelty, with commentators pointing out established festivals such as the Out & Wild festival in North Devon, which focuses on LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals. The Out & Wild festival, now the UK’s largest of its kind for women and non-binary people, has been running since 2019 and features wellness activities, workshops, music, comedy, and outdoor pursuits like hiking and sports. It aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment beyond traditional Pride events.
Critics of Cumming’s new venture have also touched on broader issues, including his dual American citizenship and ties outside the UK, which sparked some discussion about the responsibilities of public figures in representing their home countries. Nonetheless, Cumming’s artistic legacy and advocacy record remain strongly tied to his Scottish roots and his dedication to fostering inclusive cultural spaces.
Out in the Hills will be hosted by the Pitlochry Festival Theatre and represents a fusion of cultural prestige and community activism. It arrives at a time when LGBTQ+ rights and representation are evolving globally, and there is a growing desire to see queer art thrive in diverse and unconventional venues. As the festival’s programme and participants are gradually revealed, anticipation builds for an event that not only celebrates queer creativity but also fosters meaningful conversations in a terrain that combines natural beauty with cultural innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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