Tralee was decked out in vibrant colours with the arrival of their first-ever drag show last Friday night. Maddens Creative Hub, a gay-friendly cafe in Tralee, played host to the extraordinary event which was a sellout success. 

Ash Maguire runs Maddens Creative Hub with her partner Rebekah Wall. “We are pushing the LGBT+ scene as much as possible from our little hub here in Tralee,” she said. It clearly shows as tickets sold fast and people came out dressed to the nines. 

Candy Warhol, one of Ireland’s leading drag acts and star of Dragony Aunts, came out to help celebrate. This drag queen is certainly making her mark across Ireland, having opened Plastique Tiara’s show in Cork. She is the self-proclaimed “Mutha of the Haus of Mockie Ah”, following in the footsteps of her great-grand-uncle – Danny Le Rue.

Letycha Le Synn, Nettles and Manya Blanca were there to turn the party out. 

The night was “an absolute riot”, according to Maguire. From the photos, everyone who took part was having the time of their lives. Wall told the Kerryman Tuesday 31st July, “We also had two or three people message us telling us that it was the best night out that they’ve ever had in Tralee”.

Speaking to The Kerryman, Wall further said, “We are fast becoming, what I would say, is a very passionate town with regards to varied culture and society which is making us quite unique”. The event has sent the town abuzz, bringing out the wide range of talent of its LGBT+ community. 

Maguire is “hoping that 2020 will see Kerry’s first Pride Parade take place in Killarney”. From the reception to the drag night, this could be an exciting trajectory for the town, with discussions for a future event in the next few months.