A “groundbreaking” new drag school especially for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in Greater Manchester has been launched this week.
As part of a new partnership between Manchester Pride and local group Drag Kings of Manchester, the new drag school – which is called ‘The House of Queens, Kings and Holy Things’ – is kicking-off with a series of exciting free summer workshops aimed at providing the region‘s LGBTQ+ youth and allies with “performance skills, confidence, and community”.
Offering “a transformative experience in the world of drag”, this innovative new drag school is exclusively for members of Youth Pride MCR aged 14 to 18, and those up to 25 with additional needs.
In case you’re not familiar with Youth Pride MCR, it’s a project by Manchester Pride that’s dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people and their allies by creating a safe and inclusive community, and organising engaging workshops where participants can explore their identities, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections.
Those taking part in the new workshops at ‘The House of Queens, Kings and Holy Things’ this summer will have the opportunity to develop their performance skills, learn about makeup and costume, build self-confidence, and ultimately perfect their drag performance craft.
ADVERTISEMENT
At the end of the five-week course, those taking part will then have a chance to perform at the Youth Pride MCR event as part of the legendary Manchester Pride Festival.
Manchester Pride says it has developed the workshops in response to feedback directly from the young people it supports.
ADVERTISEMENT
More than 50% of young people said they wanted to learn more about drag and creative performance.
Beyond the glamour and glitter, Manchester Pride and Drag Kings of Manchester say the workshop series also aims to provide LGBTQ+ youth and allies with “valuable experience and insights into the creative industries”, as well as help to improve their social and public speaking skills.
Manchester Pride launches ‘groundbreaking’ new drag school to teach LGBTQ+ youth performance skills / Credit: Youth Pride MCR
“We are excited to launch this unique and creative initiative, offering our young members a platform to express themselves, meet new people, and potentially ignite their passion for a career in the creative industries,” Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said ahead of the launch of the new drag school and workshop series.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The House of Queens, Kings and Holy Things encapsulates the spirit of Manchester Pride, creating opportunities for the LGBTQ+ youth of our community to thrive, be seen, and heard.
“We are eager to see the talent and creativity that will emerge from this program.”
You can learn more about the workshops and upcoming events here.
Featured Image – Youth Pride MCR
Sponsored
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop for just £5 this week
Daisy Jackson
Students will be able to take part in a build-your-own ramen workshop this week, led by everyone’s favourite pan-Asian restaurant group, Wagamama.
The workshops will cost just £5 (all of which will go to a brilliant cause), and will include the time spent creating your perfect meal, the actual food, plus drinks and sides.
Wagamama has teamed up with mental health charity SHOUT to host this cosy ramen-making workshop.
Students will be invited to join Wagamama chefs in the kitchen, selecting their own broth, protein and veggies, with perfectly-cooked noodles, before sitting down at the restaurant’s benches to slurp up their creations with fellow students.
There’ll also be toppings and garnishes including kimchi, tea-stained eggs, chilli oil, spring onions and more.
With merch to take home too, and steaming bowls of the best-ever autumn dish, this is a one-off event you won’t want to miss.
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop for just £5 this week. Credit: Supplied
Each £5 ticket includes your food and two drinks, plus a variety of the new Wagamama winter sides and sharers.
All money raised will be donated to SHOUT to support the vital services they provide.
A representative from SHOUT will also be in attendance to talk about student wellbeing and the services available from the charity.
Wagamama says: “At Wagamama, we believe having a conversation is one of the most powerful ways you can support someone struggling with their mental health. Whether it’s a quick check-in via text or an open conversation over a bowl of steaming ramen. no chat is too big or too small to make an impact.
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop with SHOUT this week. Credit: Supplied
“This ethos is one we share with SHOUT, a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs someone to talk to. After huge demand during Covid, SHOUT’s service has become increasingly essential + today SHOUT is more highly in demand than ever before.”
The Japanese and pan-Asian restaurant is donating £40,000 to SHOUT this year, plus providing perks and rewards for their team of volunteers, and hosting events in their spaces.
The Wagamama ramen-building workshop will take place at the St Peter’s Square restaurant on Thursday 7 November between 2pm and 4pm. You can get your tickets HERE.
‘Glittering winter adventure’ set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park will be transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ this festive season.
With spooky season now a thing of the past, and Christmas merely a few weeks away, families will soon be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
A ‘glittering winter adventure’ is set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas / Credit: Supplied
All set to transport visitors right into the heart of Yuletide tales, the exciting new event – which opens next weekend, and runs through until late December – is produced by Wild Rumpus, who you may know for other magical local events such as ‘The Lanterns’ at Chester Zoo (2018-2022) and Just So Festival.
The highlight of this new event has to be The Glittering Trail, where beautifully-illuminated puppets and performers bring legendary stories of Yuletide to life as visitors wander through the park’s popular Japanese Gardens and make the most of the stunning winter landscape.
Families can gather around an open fire to toast marshmallows, all while they watch live performances that add even more magic to the evening.
Yuletide will be running at Tatton Park on selected dates from Saturday 16 November through to Monday 23 December, and tickets are on sale now – with adult tickets costing £20, children paying just £12 each, and free personal assistant passes are also available.
Emily Sergeant -
20th June 2023 
