Manchester’s leading drag stars celebrate launch of charity calendar in style 

Canal Street’s finest drag queens were out in full force last Thursday to celebrate the launch of the AXM Foundation’s 2017 charity calendar. The launch party saw a whole host of village-goers flock to newly-refurbished VIA to get their hands on a A Year Can Drag calendar and support for the AXM Foundation.

The drag stars took to the stage to show off their fine-tuned lip-synching skills. Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Danny Beard made an appearance with a performance of Sweet Transvestite, taking his glittery beard to the next level and his head covered in sparkles.

A Year Can Drag  features an array of drag artists, old and new, and perfectly illustrates the city’s iconic drag community. Photographer Kelvin Lee Jay captured the eccentric and innovative look of each drag queen in a range of popular Gay Village haunts, including the local chip shop!

All profits from sales of the calendar will go to the AXM Foundation and will help to support and transform the lives of people in need within the LGBT community.  Launched by Lord Mayor of Manchester Carl Austin-Behan in July this year, the AXM Foundation was established to commemorate the life of popular gay village character and founder of AXM bar, Haydn Pope.

In a bid to continue Haydn’s charitable work, AXM Foundation volunteers raise money in support of the LGBT community of Greater Manchester.

With their inventive and visionary styles, the Manchester queens are sure to make you smile every day of the year with their contributions to the calendar.  They are available at venues around the Gay Village at £10 each. The calendars can also be purchased on eBay via the ‘SHOP’ button on the AXM Foundation Facebook page.

@axmfoundation