DragCon UK: the wrap up

RUPAUL’S DRAGCON UK sashayed back to London this weekend for the second year, welcoming thousands of delighted fans, over 150 extraordinary drag queens and celebrity fans including Chloe Burrows, Duncan James, Louisa Harland and Samira Mighty to its new home of ExCeL London.

On Friday, RuPaul’s Drag Race host and Emmy Award-winner, RuPaul, ceremoniously cut the coveted pink ribbon with Michelle Visage and queens from across the global franchise by his side, ringing in the Ru year and the hotly awaited three-day extravaganza in style.

Created by RuPaul and World of Wonder Productions, RUPAULS DRAGCON UK, returned bigger and fiercer than ever before.
The infamous Queens Walk on Friday saw visitors cheer on the arrival of over 150 queens from across the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, who made their grand entrance by strutting down the legendary pink carpet. Queens showcasing their fierce lewks included Lawrence Chaney (UK S2 winner), Krystal Versace (UK S3 winner), Blu Hydrangea (UK vs the World winner) and the newly crowned winner of Season 4, Danny Beard.

RUPAULS DRAGCON UK also featured gag-worthy performances from an array of queens, including one of the UKs fiercest girl groups the Frock Destroyers, as well as meet and greet opportunities, not-to-be-missed panels and much more.

The Main Stage, sponsored by WOW Presents Plus, featured two sickening DJ sets by RuPaul as well iconic performances by Drag Race fan-favourites including: Black Peppa, Choriza May, Drag Syndrome, Elektra Fence, Ella Vaday, Estrella Xtravaganza, Elliott with 2 T’s, the Frock Destroyers, Ginny Lemon, Heidi N Closet, Ivana Vamp, Joey Jay, Jonbers Blonde, Jorgeous, Kaos, La Big Bertha, Lova Ladiva, Luquisha Lubamba, Miss Abby OMG, Nicky Doll, Ocane Aqua-Black, Patty Pam-Pam, Pixie Polite, Pupi Poisson, Reggy B, River Medway, Sum Ting Wong, The Countess, Tina Burner, Utica Queen and Vivaldi. While the dedicated Kids Zone sponsored by WildBrains Teletubbies provided fun for the whole family throughout the three-day celebrations, allowing kids (and kids at heart) to meet and greet the Teletubbies.

Beauty lovers enjoyed a sponsored Anastasia Beverly Hills Makeup competition judged by RuPauls very own make-up artist Raven, president of ABH Norvina and Season 1 winner of BBC Threes Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star Ellis Atlantis, while on Saturday, Audible hosted an exclusive panel with Fenton Bailey – Executive Producer of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Co-Founder of World of Wonder and author of ScreenAge: How TV Shaped Our Reality from Tammy Faye to RuPauls Drag Race (Ebury Press). In conversation with Graham Norton, Fenton discussed topics from his literary debut, as well as all things Drag Race.

Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Co-Founders of World of Wonder, said: We are so excited that DragCon UK is back. Huge thanks to the more than 150 queens from the Drag Race Universe who participated, and to everyone who came out to see them. A special shout out to the legendary and iconic Teletubbies who are reminders of the spirit of love and inclusiveness that DragCon represents.

It was great to be able to celebrate the new year and new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 in person, and we look forward to serving up more fresh originals on WOW Presents Plus until we see each other again.

Further highlights from 2023s RUPAULS DRAGCON UK included:

Intimate discussions, hosted by Audible, with queen favourites including: She’s painted HUNTY! with drag icon RAVEN; You Heard it Here First with Drag Race UK royalty Kitty Scott-Claus and Cheryl Hole; Stories that Speak to You with Lady Camden and Cheddar Gorgeous, plus many many more.
In an exclusive Ruveal during the weekend, host of brand new Drag Race Belgique, Rita Baga (Canadas Drag Race S1, Canadas Drag Race: Canada Vs The World), treated fans to a sneak peek of whats to come in Belgium with a sickening teaser trailer of the jury the queens will be looking to impress, Lufy and Mustii.
Exclusive After Hours performances from fan favourites Anita Wiglit, Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Icesis Couture, Janey Jack, Jimbo, Kendall Gender, Lemon, Rajah OHara, Rita Baga, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Stephanie Prince, Vanity Milan and Victoria Scone
RUPAULS DRAGCON UK took place at ExCeL London from 6-8 January 2023. Tickets are on sale for RUPAULS DRAGCON LA now.

Season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race is currently available exclusively in the UK via the streamer of all things drag, WOW Presents Plus, with new episodes dropping on Saturdays at 2AM GMT. Subscribe at https://uk.wowpresentsplus.com/