More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
It was an evening of pride, community spirit and plenty of glitter as around 3,000 people gathered for Kent's first LGBT+ festival in Maidstone.
Mote Park was transformed into a rainbow wonderland with fairground rides, a food court, outside bar and a stage which saw stars from RuPaul's Drag Race entertaining the crowds.
Ticketholders have had to wait, after the event was postponed in June when Freedom Day was delayed.
However, to gain entry to the site proof of either a negative lateral flow test, PCR test or double vaccination was required and the arena area was made bigger.
It is hoped it will return in 2022 and will become a regular event.
Nicholas Beat, an organiser at the event, said: "I think it is really good for the area. We got a headliner in from the States who is one of the biggest drag queens in the world.
"To be able to bring that sort of calibre of artist to what is essentially a local audience is just really exciting for us.
"We just like to make sure that everyone has access to those kinds of acts."
Maidstone's Madame Mumu is back after the tragic fire at MuMu's nightclub
Alongside the major artists, local drag queens took turns to host the event and perform their own sets to a home crowd.
Madame Mumu from MuMu's nightclub in Maidstone had their entire wardrobe destroyed in the fire last month.
They said: "All of these drag queens got together and got me fabric, make up and wigs to replace what I had lost, which is just so touching.
"It's an incredibly unfair scenario, but flip it and there has been more light than there has been darkness and I just hope that it continues."
River Medway, a local performer, also took to the stage with a strong message for the audience.
They said: "Growing up queer in an area like this it's really easy to feel like you're on your own, you're so different and there's no one like you.
"We're all here tonight, the allies are here and we are all having the best time.
"Just because you come from a small town doesn't mean that you can't go on to do amazing things. I'm from Medway and look at me now."
River was joined by the likes of Adore Delano, Baga Chipz and Bimini Bon-Boulash from the hit series RuPaul's Drag Race.
On future plans, Stephen Sullivan, from Glitterbomb, said: "We do want to do it again.
"We don’t when that will be but we will do it again at some point, and we are probably looking at some point next year as we try to make it a bit of a regular thing."
Emily Wood was at the front of the arena all night after travelling from Herne Bay.
She explained how although there was an accessible viewing platform, the crowd moved so that she could sit front and centre in her wheelchair and see her favourite performers.
She said: "It was amazing, everyone was so understanding and moved out of the way for me.
"It can be a bit difficult on the grass but I'm having the best time."
Also travelling from the Kent coast and paying for VIP meet and greet tickets were Ellie and Holly.
Ellie said: "It is amazing for something like this to be around the corner almost. London has always been there but it's nice to finally get Kent on the map."
Holly then added: "It's just so nice to see so many different communities coming together as one and having the most incredible time after the past year."
Adam Fork travelled from Brighton for the event after growing up in Kent.
He said: "Growing up, there was nothing much for this community in the area, so I think this is a fantastic event for the county.
"It has been such a good day, the vibe has been absolutely amazing and it is so well run. I just think it's such a great way to use a space like Mote Park."
With the glitterbomb dropped on the county town, it seemed everyone had caught the drag race fever.
Now organisers are hoping that the community spirit will continue and the event can 'shantay and stay' for years to come.
