Manchester's Drag Ball set to make extravagant return after four-year gap with 'fabulous' line-up of LGBTQ+ talent

Almost 150 years ago, three men dressed in female attire were hauled in front of a judge at a court in Salford, with hundreds of locals queuing up to experience and mock the courtroom drama first-hand.

In October 1874, the men - a dancer, a weaver and a jeweller’s apprentice - were all arrested under the Vagrancy Act of 1824 after being caught clutching invitations on the way to a ‘Queen of Camp’ drag ball.

Four years later, in 1880, police rocked up to the Temperance Hall in Hulme after receiving reports that men at a drag ball were dressed extravagantly in women’s attire inside. 38 men were arrested that night. Thankfully, those days are now over and drag is celebrated throughout most of the world - especially so here in Manchester.

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For one night, Manchester's Drag Ball is making a welcome return and will take over the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to raise vital funds for HIV charity George House Trust. With guests asked to dress spectacularly, the night on May 25 will be hosted by two of Manchester’s finest drag stars: Misty Chance and Anna Phylactic.

“There will be over two hours of fabulous entertainment showcasing a variety of diverse and vibrant Greater Manchester drag,” Misty tells the M.E.N.

“We’re delighted to confirm Viva La Diva, Chi Chi Monroe, Donna Trump, Shania Pain, Annebelle Lecter, Beverly Tight Lipps, Coco Pop, Missy Jay, Verry Cherry, Wolfy, The Vicar’s Daughter, Marie La Rae and Blaq Ivory will all be joining us too.”

The event marks the fourth Drag Ball from George House Trust, with the first ball taking place in July 2015. It will mark the first since 2019 and will feature performers from LGBTQ+ venues and organisations, including