Midlands' first LGBTQ+ club night to launch in Athlone
The Haus of KWÉN, a drag collective family based in Athlone, will launch the Midlands' first LGBTQ+ club night this weekend.
Kwén's ‘Gayentines Show' and LGBTQ+ club night 'KLUB KWÉN' will take place in The Venue, Athlone, on Friday, February 16.
The event will see the launch of their official club night KLUB KWÉN based on LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Dublin and London.
Both events take place the same night with the Gayentines drag show starting at 9pm followed by KLUB KWÉN, the after show party, with DJ Annie Banter from 10pm until 2am.
Hosted by Tess Tickles the event will feature performances from Domino, Kobrah Kage, ÉIRESURE, Sassy Weef, Jackie Off and the debut of Madz Anxiety.
Haus Director of the KWÉN Shows Tess Tickles, aka Barry Cassidy, said: “Bringing a queer club night to Athlone is so important to the visibility and sustainability of the local LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s the first of its kind in the Midlands and we are so excited. The reaction to our residency has been amazing thus far, we have our regular faces every show and always new faces coming each time.”
Barry explained that following the huge reaction to the club night held during Heartlands Pride in Athlone last November, he felt that there was a huge queer community in the midlands but few options for a safe space to enjoy a dance.
“Hopefully, KLUB KWÉN can change that. We are hoping to run KLUB KWÉN every two months and eventually build it up to become a monthly event in Athlone along with our show.”
Barry thanked the following local businesses for their support in sponsoring prizes for the shows: Custom Cuts, Viking Tours Ireland, Sean's Bar and Gertie Brownes along with The Venue team.
KWÉN's current residency show in The Venue Athlone showcases a wide variety of performance styles, produced with a high calibre of drag excellence and camp fun with something for everyone to enjoy.
The Gayentines show promises to bring some tongue and cheek romance comedy for all along with some fun lip syncing.