Hoist the mainsails! On 23rd August, Limehouse’s iconic local boozer The Old Ship is throwing its biggest bash of the year in aid of The Albert Kennedy Trust, which helps young homeless LGBT people. 

There are going to be over twenty cabaret acts, as well as a keynote speech by Albert Kennedy Trust Patron Ian McKellen. YES! Actual Ian McKellen! Gandalf! You shall not pass! Etc.

We interviewed Candy Slag In Drag (she’s everything her name suggests and more) who’ll be hosting the day of drag, drinking and debauchery.

Hey Candy, how did you get involved with the Albert Kennedy Trust?

I first became involved with the Albert Kennedy trust when I hosted the Soho Drag Race in 2012. The charity really moved me and I wanted to do more. The more involved I became the more stories I learnt of children being abused and subjected to horrific treatment by their family for being gay.

Last year I started Cake and Cabaret; I bake cup cakes and sell them, and top it off with cabaret! We raised over £2000 last year. This year I wanted to make it bigger and started planning in January. I am so pleased that those acts who said they would support Cake and Cabaret are coming along to help with the day.

“We’ve got cake auctions, a man with an ice cream truck, a raffle and a camptastic lineup of over 20 acts”

What have you got lined up on the day? 

We’ve got cake auctions, a man with an ice cream truck, a raffle and a camptastic lineup of over 20 acts; Dave Lynn, Miss Jason, Rose Garden, Sandra, Dave the bear and Saucy Sophie to name but a few. Then of course there’s a very special speech from gay icon Ian McKellen, patron of The Albert Kennedy Trust.

What are you most looking forward to?

Mostly I’m just excited about having a fun day, while raising money for a charity I really believe in!

• The Cake and Cabaret Fundraiser is at The Old Ship (17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW) on Sunday 23rd. 4pm onwards.