Rainbow Runway: Book now for a night of fashion, fun and fizz

Billed as “an evening of fun, fashion, fizz and more”, Rainbow Runway brings the party to Cambridge’s Grand Arcade for Pride month. With tickets selling fast, Velvet books a front row seat. . .

“Celebrating Pride is about everyone - and we hope everyone will come and turn the Grand Arcade every colour of the rainbow.” So says Felicity Flappes, East Anglia’s best-known drag queen and host for Rainbow Runway, the hit Pride event which returns to Cambridge’s Grand Arcade this month.

Following the success of its debut last year - which raised more than £1,200 for the Pink Festival charity, organiser of Cambridge Pride - Grand Arcade is proud to welcome back Rainbow Runway on June 5.

“Last year was a great night enjoyed by the audience and all those involved,” adds Felicity. “This year promises to be bigger and better and a reminder that you are able to fight stigma and prejudice, not only in Cambridge, but across the world.”

From 6.30pm until 9pm, attendees can expect “an evening of fun, fashion, fizz and more”. The first floor of the shopping centre will transform into a fabulous catwalk, where some 20 models, both members of and allies of the LGBTQ+ community, will strut 40-plus looks from a dozen of Grand Arcade’s top fashion brands, including John Lewis & Partners, Gant, Hobbs, Levi’s, Mango, Oliver Bonas, Phase Eight, RetroGusto, Rigby & Peller, Russell &Bromley, Scamp & Dude and Schuh.

Also supporting the event will be Elem Hair, whose team will generously style all the models’ hair; Kiki, which is providing the drinks; and Miele and Townhouse - the luxury nail brand coming to the centre next month - which are contributing to the sought-after goodie bags. Everyman Cinema is also providing space where guests can meet with the models, performers, and the Cambridge Pride team after the show.

The lineup for the event includes a solo performance on transgender rights by Bussy the Vampire Layer, live singing from Tony of Cambridge(rton), a lipsync battle with Aria the Kween and Guillotina, an exclusive drag show by Felicity Flappes, Ilinx and Stelia Jobs, and many more surprises.

Julie Kervadec, marketing manager at Grand Arcade, says: “I am hugely grateful to all the brands in and beyond Grand Arcade that support Rainbow Runway and make it possible for us to support Cambridge’s LGBTQ+ community in style by lending their impressive makeup and hairstyling skills, stylish outfits, spectacular shoes and, of course, goodies for our attendees. Last year, the event truly captured the spirit of Pride, and this year’s event, with added performances and surprises, promises to wow our ticket-holders even more.”

The proceeds of the event will all be donated to the Pink Festival charity, in support of Cambridge Pride.

Book Now: Don’t miss out! Tickets cost £10, which includes entry and a drink, or £15 for entry, a drink and a goodie bag. You can book your tickets here: grandarcade.co.uk/events/rainbow-runway/