METRO Drag Race 2012 held in Greenwich on Saturday 18th August was a huge success. On the hottest day of the year so far, hundreds of spectators turned out to support the colourful field of drag competitors as the annual charity event returned to Greenwich for its seventh year. The race was started by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Councillor David Grant who gave a speech in support of METRO's work and highlighted the charity's work to combat homophobic bullying in schools.
The race was hosted for the first time this year by The Prince of Greenwich pub with live entertainment from renowned drag artistes Dave Lynn and Lady LaRue, singer Phil Lawrence and local drag performer Miss Helyn Bed. The race was won by Miss Philippa Flop sporting the requisite 2 inch heels.
Raffle prizes were donated by Rivington Greenwich, Greenwich Picturehouse, Davy's Wine Vaults, The Prince of Greenwich, Pure Gym and The North Pole. The event was made possible by the support and cooperation of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Metropolitan Police Greenwich Safer Neighbourhoods Team.
Hugh Wright, METRO Head of Fundraising said:
We are so grateful to all of the participants, businesses and spectators for helping to make this year's Metro Drag Race a huge success. We are especially thankful to the residents of Royal Hill and surrounding streets who kindly allowed the event to go ahead on their doorsteps - with many coming out to cheer on the runners and enjoy the entertainment. Sponsorship money is still coming in but we estimate that the event will raise £2.5k to support our work providing sexual health and HIV, mental health, community and youth services.
ENDS
For all media enquiries and photo opportunities: Patricia Durr, Head of Communications & PR, patricia@metrocentreonline.org, 020 8305 5000 x.136, 07912515397
Notes:
- Locally based photographer Teri Warke covered the event and you can download photos here http://www.teriwarke.com/teriwarke/Index/Gallery/Pages/Metro.html
- To make a donation visit www.metrocentreonline.org/donate or contact Hugh Wright hugh@metrocentreonline.org 020 8305 5000 x.148
- All funds raised at the Drag Race will go towards supporting Metro's work
- Metro is a health, community and youth services provider. We conduct research, challenge discrimination and promote equality. We work in London and the South East and have national and international projects and partnerships. The charity is based in Greenwich and has offices in Vauxhall, Woolwich and very recently, Rochester. www.metrocentreonline.org
- You can find out more about our work in our Annual Review 2011
- Follow us on Twitter @MetroCharity and Facebook Metro Charity