If you’re familiar with the likes of Paris is Burning and Ru Paul’s Drag Race, getting down to a drag ball is probably very high on your bucket list. Although we might not be graced with the glamour of downtown New York, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Oxford Road’s magnificent Victorian hotel, is bringing a celebration of drag artistry this May all in aid of Manchester-based charity, George House Trust.
Taking place on Thursday 25 May, the drag extravaganza will be hosted by Anna Phylactic, star of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Misty Chance, a Manchester-based Canal Street legend. Tickets are £75 for the event, which include welcome drinks, food and performances from Manchester’s most recognisable drag performers.
Already confirmed for the evening are Chi Chi Monroe, Viva La Diva, Donna Trump, Annabelle Lecter, Beverly Tight Lipps, Missie Jay, Verry Cherry, Marie La Rae, Wolfy, Haus of Lasair The Vicar’s Daughter and performers from Bar Pop, Glitter Palace and Filthy Gorgeous. Interpreting drag artistry in their own way, the drag ball spotlights the city’s riveting scene.
The annual ball is all in aid of George House Trust, a Manchester-based charity supporting people with HIV. Since 1985, the charity has worked tirelessly to help to raise awareness and initiate positive change in the fight against the disease and break down the stigma that remains in society today.
Darren Knight, Chief Executive at George House Trust, said: “Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has always been an amazing partner, supporter and friend of George House Trust. They have worked tirelessly with us over the years to help support our cause and really understand how HIV has changed, and how far we have yet to go to keep fighting the stigma and the fear that surrounds it. The Drag Ball is a wonderful event to celebrate queer joy and culture whilst raising money for our vital support services at the same time.”
All proceeds from the event will go to George House Trust’s work in inspiring people to live healthily and confidently with HIV. The organisation provides a number of services, including a project supporting older HIV positive people and a welfare fund for those who are suffering from unemployment or low income.
Commenting on the Drag Ball, Johan Scheepers, General Manager of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said: “Our support of George House Trust is something we are extremely proud of. To see how they have helped people living with HIV as well as those around them is incredible, and it’s our pleasure to be able to continue to support such an amazing cause with such an exciting event – while demonstrating some of Manchester’s incredible local drag talent at the same time.”
