The finals of Mr Gay England are making their return to Northumberland for the second year in a row and there's an international twist!
The Alnwick Garden has announced that it will once again host the Mr Gay England/MX Drag Finals in August. However, this year will also see the first ever Mr Gay Europe crowned against the background of the garden's Grand Cascade.
Her Grace The Duchess of Northumberland will be on the judging panel as contestants show off the best of fashion, poise and grace on the catwalk positioned in front of the Garden's Grand Cascade. As well as the showcase of glitter, glamour and pride, each participant will have to undertake a written test whilst raising money and awareness for the Charlie and Carter Foundation, a charity based in South Shields which provides financial support to parents of seriously ill children.
Stuart Hatton Jr, who is from South Shields and is the CEO of Mr Gay England, expressed his excitement, saying: " I am super excited to be bringing the Mr Gay England and Mx Drag England competition back to The Alnwick Garden this year alongside the arrival of Mr Gay Europe. Countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Belgium and of course England will be represented at The Garden.
"It is the first year that Mr Gay Europe has come to the UK and after initial talks to take it to London, I put my foot down and brought the international competition home to the North East. The fabulous folk at St Cloud's University based in Alnwick Castle are supporting the international delegates this year and putting them up in the Castle for the week.
"We have some fantastic events in and around Alnwick to the build-up to the Finale on the 20th of August so watch this space! It's going to be a fabulous celebration of our Queer culture here in Northumberland and I can't wait!"
The celebration will include educational trails, creative activities and stalls providing face painting, glitter tattoos and more. Ian McAllister of the Alnwick Garden said: " We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be able to showcase this event in a rather unlikely space.
"Not only are we able to stage the spectacular catwalk event but we will also have the opportunity for people of all ages to take part in a variety of activities that will educate visitors about a community that they may have had little understanding of or interaction with previously."
Gay Day is free with a valid Alnwick Garden entry ticket, with up to four children under 16 able to enter with every paying adult year-round. For more information and tickets visit the Alnwick Garden website.
Are you planning on visiting Alnwick Garden this summer for Mr Gay Europe or any other events? Let us know!
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