Drag queens back in church for fabulous fundraiser

THE drag community will once again come together to raise money for St Andrew’s United Reformed Church in Roath, Cardiff.

The previous events, sponsored by CPS Homes, have so far raised more than £20,000, with the first taking place in December 2018.

St Andrew’s United Reformed Church on Wellfield Road, built in 1898, needs to raise funds for much-needed repair work to the building to be able to continue supporting its congregation as well as many community groups.

Wayne Courtney, a NHS nurse in his day job, and artist Nathan Wyburn are dedicated fundraisers for St Andrew’s and have once again set themselves the task of organising the hugely popular event, which this year takes place on Tuesday, December 7.

St Andrew’s and the Dragged to Church team will soon feature in a film by Keeping Faith star Eve Myles’ production company Empty Room. The company has teamed up with Fulwell73, the independent team behind The Late Late Show with James Corden and the Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special.

The film is inspired by the story of how two very different communities came together in Wales to help save their beloved local church in dire need of repair.

When the desperate Reverend contacted local LGBTQ+ radio presenters as a last resort and asked them to help, the result was a Christmas drag show.

Rev Des Kitto said: “The bringing together of many local diverse groups into a building we want to share has been a tremendous feat.

“When we started in 2018 we had no idea the event would be such a success. It was so heartwarming to see so many people from many diverse groups engaging and enjoying the ambience of our beautiful building.

“Our huge thanks go to Wayne Courtney, Nathan Wyburn, Rob Keetch and the drag queens.”

Wayne Courtney said: “Dragged to Church is a wonderful event that brings communities together, celebrating Christmas in the most fabulous way imaginable.

“It’s more than an event, it’s an experience, and it’s started a wonderful friendship between two communities. Rumour has it that some Sundays Rev Des is about 5in taller because he’s started wearing heels under his robes.”

Nathan Wyburn said: “Who’d have thought? It’s just joyous and brilliant. I’m overwhelmed with the response this year and it’s a testament to the great people of Cardiff, who are so diverse and accepting. Bring on the movie.”

For your tickets to this year’s event and to find out more about St Andrew’s URC fundraising efforts, or to donate, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/standrewsurc.cardiff