Drag Christmas bingo night at Cat's

What better way to ring in the new year by doing a high kick in your heels to Christmas!

And with a quirky few rounds of bingo while at it.

Tromba sponsored a gift basket prize and there was a heaping table full of lots of other things.

Host Noella Rose partenered with Ravina Fantasia to hype up Spotlight performer Tequila Bangcock. And what an insane Bartop, dancing on the ceiling powerhouse performance it was! Footage seemed to have been too hot to handle as its gone missing.

Drag bingo is a high-energy version of the traditional bingo game hosted by one or more drag performers. It elevates the classic game with comedy, musical performances, audience interaction, and fabulous costumes. Many drag bingo events are also held as fundraisers for charities, particularly those supporting the LGBTQ+ community and HIV/AIDS research. 

How it works

Drag bingo is the same as regular bingo at its core, but with a lot more flair. 

The host: A glamorous drag queen or queens call out the numbers, entertaining the audience with humorous jokes, witty banter, and stories throughout the evening.

The games: In addition to standard bingo, events may feature multiple rounds with different themes, dance-offs, lip-sync battles, and other interactive games.

Audience: The atmosphere is lively and interactive, with audiences encouraged to sing along, applaud the performances, and get into the spirit of the event. Tips for the drag performers are often welcomed and encouraged.

Prizes: Prizes for winning a round of bingo can range from modest gifts to bigger prizes like cash, gift cards, or other items donated by local businesses. 

History and origin

Drag bingo has roots in activist fundraising efforts and has since expanded into a mainstream form of entertainment. 

The first "gay bingo" events began in the early 1990s in Seattle, where the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of drag queen "nuns," hosted games to raise money for HIV/AIDS charities.

The events expanded to many other cities, raising millions of dollars and drawing in diverse crowds of both LGBTQ+ people and allies.

As its popularity grew, drag bingo moved beyond fundraisers to become a fixture at bars, restaurants, and corporate events as a way to entertain crowds and boost morale. 

The turnout seemed to have more female spectators than male, but it was also a Monday night. The loss is theirs as these memories will last a life time no doubt.