Over 20,000 proud revellers will converge in Brighton’s Preston Park next week to swing their beef at one of the biggest Pride events of the summer. And with the recent spotlight firmly on the injustices in countries such as Russia and Nigeria, the city will stand united with those oppressed communities across the world.
The cabaret tents are a great place to hang out on the day, offering up a wide range of top class performers, catering to all tastes. This week Jason Reid chats to Lola Lasagne, who will be hosting the Legends Cabaret Tent, and Meth, who’ll be sassing it up in The Alternative Cabaret Tent…
Legends Cabaret Tent
2.00pm Lola Lasagne
2.15pm Sally Vate
2.30pm Mrs Moore
2.50pm Tammy Twinkle
3.05pm Cassidy Connors
3.25pm Baga Chipz
3.40pm Drag With No Name
4.00pm Davina Sparkle
4.20pm Miss Jason and Maisie Trollette
4.50pm Dave Lynn
5.10pm Lady Imelda
5.30pm Jennie Castell
5.45pm Mary Mac
6.05pm Lola Lasagne
6.10pm Rose Garden
6.30pm CK
6.50pm Sandra
7.10pm Eva Iglesias
7.30pm La Voix and The Va Va Voom Boys
Lola Lasagne
The theme of this year’s Pride is Freedom to Live, focusing on LGBTQ people across the world who face regular persecution, and are not afforded the same freedoms as us here in the UK. How important is it for us to stand with those people?
It’s incredibly important to stand with any victims of persecution. I’ve never thought we should ask for equality and respect simply because we’re LGBT. We deserve it because we’re fellow human beings on this planet.
What effect do you think these events have on such a global issue?
The images from Pride are shown across the world, hopefully giving those people assurance that there is a better life out there and the confidence for them to try to seek help and support in some way.
Brighton Pride is widely recognised as one of the top international Prides. What do you think makes it so special?
A lot of it is to do with the city itself. Accessibility from London is great and Brighton has the perfect mix of modern and quaint for you to get lost in. Our Pride really tries to unite the community as well, both commercial and voluntary. This is shown over the weekend, not just in the park, but also in our LGBT village during the street party.
And you yourself have been involved with the organisation of the cabaret tent for a number of years now…
I’ve both organised and/or hosted since 1997 with the exception of 2010/11. I just love it – even though I need Valium to get through the day – it’s my chance to give something back to Brighton.
What’s your idea of the perfect Pride day?
A day of laughter, tears, equality and freedom, spent in the company of friends, lovers and family.
The Alternative Drag Tent
1st Act: Hosted by Grandmas
House Of Grand Parade
Rubyyy Jones
Cherry Liquour
Lily Snatch
Crystal Lubrikunt
2nd Act: Hosted by Cherry Liquor
Lydia L’Scabies
Coco DeVille
Bougie
Alfie Ordinary
3rd Act: Hosted by Rubyyy Jones
Rococo Chanel
Grandmas
Meth
House Of Grand Parade
Supported by DJ Fifilicious
Meth
Tell us about the first Pride you ever attended?
It was London Pride 2009 – I had friends come up from back home in Somerset, and lets be honest, in Somerset most people can barely spell Pride let alone have one so it certainly opened our rural eyes somewhat.
This year is your first time performing at Brighton Pride. What are you anticipating?
All the usual shenanigans with a few extra seagulls and the faint smell of candy floss and the English Channel, I imagine.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is our history and our legacy. We have a duty to remember and maintain our identity and experiences as LGBTQ people.
What messages should we be sending out through such events?
Equality does not mean assimilation. Be loudly and proudly queer!
So what can we expect when we swing by The Alternative Cabaret Tent?
A fabulously fierce extravaganza with a quintessential queer edge thanks to those hideous, talentless men from the House of Grand Parade.
• Brighton Pride is on Saturday 2nd August at Preston Park, Brighton, from midday.
• www.brighton-pride.org
