Our first every drag bingo event!

Age UK Barnet held its first ever drag bingo night to celebrate Pride Month and the older LGBTQ+  people of Barnet.

The evening was a sold out event raising over £1000 for Age UK Barnet and Fighting with Pride, a charity supporting LGBTQ+ veterans.

Hosted by Manuka Honey, the best drag queen in town, everyone enjoyed a fun packed evening of cabaret songs, banter and bingo.

‘This has been the first night out since my husband passed away and I haven’t laughed so much for ages!’ said one bingo goer.

Another said: 'This was such fun - can you hold one every month please!'

Wellbeing manager Fiona, chair of Age UK Barnet’s equity, diversity and inclusion committee, says: ‘It’s important that we recognise the older LGBTQ+ community and through fun events like this we can bring people together and celebrate the wonderful diversity in our borough.

‘Events like ours break down barriers that make people feel that they don’t belong – and it was fantastic to see people of different sexualities and backgrounds just having a great time.’

Age UK Barnet day club manager Jose makes sure the spirit of acceptance and inclusion runs through all the sessions for people living with early stage dementia. ‘Pride is about embracing who you are and being proud of it,’ he says. ‘We celebrate Pride every day in our day clubs by being honest and open, listening to our members' needs and supporting the families as much as we can.’

After the success of our first drag bingo, we aim to make this an annual event.

Keep an eye on the Age UK Barnet What's On guide for the latest events for over 55s  or phone 020 8203 5040 and speak to a member of the team.

A few more photos from the night....

And the Age UK Barnet team!