Latest news with #LawrenceChaney
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
International Drag Superstar Lawrence Chaney To Headline Palmy Drag Fest 2025 As Festival Celebrates Five Fabulous Years
Palmerston North's most glittering celebration of drag excellence is back and bigger than ever! Palmy Drag Fest marks its fifth sensational year in 2025, continuing its legacy as New Zealand's biggest drag show — and yes, it's sold out every single year. This milestone edition is making herstory, bringing an international guest artist to the Palmy stage for the very first time. Get ready to be dazzled by none other than Lawrence Chaney, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2, flying in fresh from their acclaimed solo show tours and Rupaul's Drag Race LIVE! Las Vegas performances. Joining the lineup is Kween Kong, powerhouse performer and runner-up on RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars, alongside two of Australia's hottest drag sensations: Lazy Susan, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Season 4, and the uproariously funny Gabriella Labucci. The festival also proudly features a dazzling array of Aotearoa drag superstars, including Kita Mean, Hugo Grrrl, Rita Menu, and many more. Holding it all together is the festival's iconic host, Rhubarb Rouge – the glamorous alter ego of Henrique Beirao, who also serves as Producer and Artistic Director of Palmy Drag Fest. 'It's amazing to be able to be running an event like this five years in a row and have the support from the local community,' says Beirao. 'This festival has always been about more than just entertainment – it's about creating space. It's about giving the drag community a platform to shine, to be celebrated, and to be recognised for the incredible artistry, talent and heart that goes into every performance.' And if you think you're coming just for a few lip-syncs, think again. Each act is a spectacle, featuring choreographed dancers, cinematic backdrop visuals, aerial performances, and dazzling custom-made costumes. Every number is uniquely crafted for the festival — no repeats, no shortcuts. Audiences often describe the atmosphere as going to a stadium pop concert, but with the intimacy of a theatre – and all of it happening in rural New Zealand, of all places. With tickets already 40% sold and all Meet & Greet passes snapped up, this year is shaping up to be the most unmissable edition yet. Returning in 2025 is the ever-popular Rainbow Fair, now taking over the Fly Palmy Arena – offering more space and the opportunity for even more stallholders to take part in this vibrant community celebration. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsor Local Health, the Rainbow Fair will be free entry – helping us create greater access for the community to connect, learn, be entertained, and shop local in an inclusive and welcoming environment. More events, shows, and surprises will be revealed soon – so stay tuned! EVENT DETAILS
The Herald Scotland
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Edinburgh light show marks Universal's Orlando park launch
Organised by Universal Orlando Resort, revelers were greeted at 9pm with a series of illuminated scenes promoting the American film studio's latest attraction — Universal Epic Universe. The massive advert was also projected onto London's Battersea Power Station on Thursday night. Guests had the opportunity to tour the park using virtual reality. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The VIP event prior to the show hosted a range of Scottish influencers; including Glasgow-based drag queen Lawrence Chaney, MAFS star Erica Roberts, and comedian Kim Blythe. Guests sipped champagne and nibbled on canapes while waiting to experience the theme park in virtual reality or sit for a caricature sketch. Chaney, who was the first Scot to win RuPaul's Drag Race, told The Herald: 'I'm absolutely loving this immersive experience. I'm having a lot of fun at the photo opps. The food is great. 'It's nice to see Edinburgh Castle used in a different way.' An attendee named Michelle added: 'We are massive Universal fans. As a family, we love Universal Studios. When we found out they were building Epic, we were so excited. 'I'm looking forward to the Star Racers roller coaster', her son James said. 'I'm looking forward to the Dark Universe section. It's such an exciting opportunity for a brand-new park', Michelle said. Lawrence Chaney was one of the guests. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The guests' excitement was matched by that of Alison Montague, Vice President International Sales & Marketing (EMEA) at Universal Destinations and Experiences. Montague said: 'We're really excited. The park opens in just twenty days. 'It's the first theme park to be built in North America this century. Our parks are hugely popular among the British, we have lots of guests who flock over. The executive added: 'We wanted to mark the occasion by doing something really noteworthy, and bring something forward-thinking to somewhere iconic, and try to merge the two worlds together. 'It is a delight for us not only to partner with Edinburgh Castle, but also British Airways Holidays, which makes it possible for people from all of the UK to get to Orlando easily.' Alison Montague works for Universal. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Due to open in Florida on May 22nd, the new theme park will feature five distinct worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. Attendees at the Edinburgh event were able to scan a special QR code projected on the wall of the castle— with the grand prize — an all expenses paid holiday to Florida for four — to be announced soon. The winner will receive tickets to the four Universal Parks in Orlando — Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal Epic Universe, as well as a week-long stay at the Universal Terra Luna Resort. Free British Airways Club World Cabin plane tickets will also be included. Universal is planning to expand into the UK within the decade, with a Bedfordshire theme park earmarked for 2031. Until then, film buffs can grab a flight to Orlando and enjoy the studio's four parks in the hot Florida sun.
