Name: The HIV Readings (in aid of Lunch Positive)
Start: 2026-03-12T18:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-12T20:30:00+00:00
Location: The Queery

The HIV Readings (in aid of Lunch Positive)

Join Simon Maddrell, Robert Hamberger & Jonathan Blake for intimate readings about HIV/AIDS. Fundraiser for Brighton charity, Lunch Positive
About this Event

The HIV Readings (in aid of Lunch Positive)

As part of the launches for Simon Maddrell's debut poetry collection, lamping wild rabbits, this event is dedicated to its poems about HIV and Derek Jarman.

lamping wild rabbits is a polyvocal and multifaceted debut which is unafraid to confront the shame and stigma of HIV, while never allowing the poems to lose shape or pace, altering the lens to bring the reader’s attention to birdsong and the queer body in nature. Maddrell has achieved a distinct and totally convincing sound through the literary geography of lamping wild rabbits, one that gives the impression it’s been everywhere and returned because it survived.

Simon will be joined by Jonathan Blake and Robert Hamberger.

Brighton-based poet Robert Hamberger, who will read his own poems in memory of his friends Clifford Haseldine and Andrew Copus, plus other HIV/AIDS-themed poetry.

Jonathan Blake, diagnosed with HIV in 1982, will read from his verse memoir, Patient L1, plus other new poems (all written in Jonathan's voice by Simon Maddrell).

There will be refreshments available on the evening.
Doors at 6.30pm. Readings from 7-8pm.

All ticket proceeds go to Brighton-based HIV charity Lunch Positive.
Lunch Positive is a voluntary community organisation which runs lunch clubs for people living with or affected by HIV in East Sussex.

They provide a welcoming, safe and supportive space for people to meet, socialise, make friends, share a healthy meal and gain peer support including, advice and information and support signposting.

Our services are accepting, non-judgemental, inclusive and peer-led. Everything we do is put together and provided by people with HIV for our community. What we do is provided by volunteers. We have an amazing team of volunteers who care passionately about Lunch Positive being a supportive and helpful space for everyone who visits.