In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Cardiff’s drag stars have raised £18,000 to repair the storm-damaged roof of St Andrew’s United Reformed Church in Roath. The funds were collected during the seventh annual ‘Dragged To Church’ event, a unique carol service blending festive songs with drag performances.
The church’s roof suffered significant damage during Storm Darragh, prompting Reverend Des Kitto to seek fundraising ideas. Local radio presenters Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney proposed the innovative drag carol service, which has grown in popularity each year. Reverend Kitto noted in an interview with the BBC:
“They asked me if I thought the church would be okay with that, so we spoke to the elders and it turns out they were fine with it.”
Drag performer Doctor Bev, also known as Rob Keetch, highlighted the event’s inclusive nature, stating:
“We get all sorts of people turning up and lots of different faiths. The Rev Kitto is amazing and his church is one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever been. It’s really opened its doors to the LGBTQ community.”
The success of Dragged To Church has even attracted the attention of actress Eve Myles, who has expressed interest in adapting the story into a film. Reverend Kitto added:
“Eve Myles contacted us after our second one and said she wanted to make a film about it all. Last we heard is it was just waiting to get the finances secured – it is very exciting.”
