The popular event returned for its sixth edition, this time spanning across two nights with special guest appearances from Charlotte Church and Chizzy Akudolu
Drag acts once again came together to raise money for St Andrew’s United Reformed Church in Roath.
This edition was called Six Slay Belles and was organised by Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney along with others, with eight acts performing each night over the course of two shows.
Previous events have so far raised more than £20,000 towards repairs of the old church. This year was record breaking with an incredible £14,269 raised after they sold over 700 tickets within an hour.
The sold out festive concert featured two nights of music and comedy courtesy of some of the best drag acts in Wales. Chizzy Akudolu made an appearance on both nights and singing star Charlotte Church appeared for the second night and delighted the crowd with her beautiful rendition of O Holy Night, which was met by rapturous applause.
This year’s event took place on the 11th and 12th of December, which was sponsored by Out & Proud and Jim Baptista, with help from The Golden Cross and Mary’s who supplied bar staff. John Henry provided stunning bouquets of flowers for the stage.
Both nights were joyous, brilliant and full of fun with drag performers taking to the stage to recite comedy or sing renditions of Christmas tunes. Stifyn Parri provided his hilarious version of the nativity story and raffle prizes donated by local businesses and the community were claimed by lucky winners.
What makes this event so special is that different communities come together for one good cause to help keep a vital church open for the community. All of the money raised from ticket sales, the raffle, the stalls and the bar will go towards the maintenance of the church.
One of the organisers, Nathan Wyburn, said: “We are in the sixth year and we decided to go bigger and better than ever.”
“We are here to raise money to constantly keep this building open for the community here in Roath.”
One of the performers, Stifyn Parri, said: “This is my favourite gig every year and this year I got to do it twice.”
“I am so glad that we raise a lot of money with this incredible event.”
The Reverend, Des Kitto, said: “This event is a way of showing inclusivity because everyone comes along and is happy to be here.”
“In being one community, that allows us to share some happiness and joy when there are some really bad things going on in the world today.”
Overall, the event was brilliant once again and both nights were special. Dragged to Church is expected to return next year after the brilliant success so far.
Gareth Rees 