Malt Cross women and non-binary only safe space event success!
On Friday, 29 November, YMCA venue at Malt Cross proudly hosted their second Cyndi Says Relax event – a welcoming safe space for women and non-binary individuals, tying into Malt Cross’ mission to support creativity and community engagement in Nottingham.
As a Not-For-Profit venue, Malt Cross work closely with us, contributing its bar and kitchen surplus to support the vital work of the YMCA Robin Hood Group.
The day brought together an inspiring group of individuals, creating a welcoming environment for connection, support and fun!
When Women Gather
The event kicked off in the morning with the Movers and Makers Market, which celebrated the creativity and connections within the Nottingham community, spotlighting local artists and organisations led by women and non-binary individuals such as Jenny’s Painting Nook, When Women Gather, Khush Clay, EKM Art and Prince Artworks. This inspiring showcase highlighted their unique creations brought people together to connect and collaborate.
Jenny’s Painting Nook
Ellie, an artist at the event shared her thoughts:
‘As a queer woman, I really enjoy connecting with the community, so events like these are so important – especially as there aren’t many women/queer only spaces like this in Nottingham. It’s amazing that this has been created in such a nice way not only with the stalls but with the evening event too.’
Ellie, ekm.art
As the evening unfolded, the party kicked off with £5 tickets, each including a complimentary drink upon arrival – with a percentage of proceeds going towards sanitary products for people in YMCA care.
Inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s iconic anthem “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” the Malt Cross transformed into a vibrant, designated safe space where guests enjoyed a fun-filled night with music requests, cocktails, and polaroid photo stations.
Bram Bancroft, Casual Duty Officer at Malt Cross and Cyndi Says Relax ideator, shared insights into the inspiration behind the event and what motivated him to bring it to life:“In 2021, 97% of women between 18-24 had been sexually harassed in a public place and last year we saw a rise of transgender hate crime by 11%. As a result, I wanted to create a safe environment for people to socialise and be themselves as it should be everywhere.”
Cyndi Says Relax is more than just an event; it’s a movement. It’s about creating a space where all women and non-binary individuals can relax, have fun, and feel seen.
Building on this momentum, Malt Cross is excited to announce the next Cyndi Says Relax event, set to take place on 16 May 2025. Mark your calendars and get ready for another night of fun, friendship, and fantastic vibes!
