Birmingham Drag & Burlesque Festival makes its debut from 5–8 November 2026, bringing international performers, homegrown talent and spectacular cabaret to venues across the city.
Birmingham is preparing to turn up the glamour this November as the first-ever Birmingham Drag & Burlesque Festival arrives in the city for four days of dazzling performances, outrageous humour, spectacular costumes and unapologetic self-expression.
Taking place from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 November 2026, the festival promises a vibrant celebration of drag, burlesque and alternative cabaret, with a programme of live shows, workshops and special events bringing together established international artists and rising stars from Birmingham’s thriving creative scene.
Billed by organisers as the first UK festival of its kind, the event will celebrate the charisma, uniqueness and creativity of these art forms, while championing diversity, inclusivity and the importance of independent performance spaces.
The festival is the brainchild of Dominus Von Vexo, the award-winning performer and producer dubbed ‘Birmingham’s Queen of Burlesque’, and founder of Birmingham cabaret collective House of Allure.
Since launching in 2017, House of Allure has established itself as a driving force in the city’s drag and burlesque scene, building a reputation for theatrical productions, sell-out shows and supporting emerging performers.
Speaking about the festival, Dominus Von Vexo said:
“Birmingham is in for a treat and I can’t wait to boost the platform of Birmingham’s artistic talent.”
The festival’s centrepiece will be The Follies Grandé, a spectacular evening of drag, burlesque and variety entertainment at The Old Rep Theatre on Saturday 7 November.
Bringing together a cast of acclaimed cabaret performers, the show promises sizzling striptease, daring drag, comedy and theatrical extravagance, transforming one of Birmingham’s best-loved theatres into a celebration of glamour and artistic expression.
Other festival highlights include The Allure Games at The Old Joint Stock Theatre on Friday 6 November, where performers will compete for the coveted Allure Games Crown, and Worlds Away 2.0 at Eden Bar on Sunday 8 November.
The latter takes audiences on an intergalactic adventure, blending science fiction, comedy, burlesque, drag and immersive theatrical entertainment in a colourful, otherworldly cabaret spectacular.
The festival will also feature an industry producer panel, creative workshops, alternative life drawing and Backdoor 54, an immersive, Studio 54-inspired afterparty celebrating queer culture and expression.
As Birmingham continues to strengthen its reputation as a centre for independent arts and culture, the festival aims to shine a spotlight on the talent already flourishing in the city, while welcoming performers and audiences from further afield.
From glittering showgirls and boundary-pushing drag artists to comedic cabaret and extraordinary theatrical performances, audiences can expect a festival that celebrates individuality, artistic freedom and the joy of being unapologetically yourself.
Festival highlights
Thursday 5 November – Festival Opening
- Alternative Life Drawing – Eden Bar, 6pm
- The Producer Panel – The Old Joint Stock Theatre, 7.15pm
Friday 6 November – The Allure Games
The Old Joint Stock Theatre, 7.15pm. A competition showcasing creative cabaret talent, judged by industry professionals.
Saturday 7 November – The Follies Grandé
The Old Rep Theatre, doors 7.15pm, show 8pm. The festival’s headline extravaganza featuring drag, burlesque, comedy and spectacular variety entertainment.
Sunday 8 November – Worlds Away 2.0
Eden Bar, 3pm. An outrageous sci-fi-inspired cabaret adventure featuring international and local performers.
Tickets: https://house-of-allure.designmynight.com/6a96e99a8976744b617d7f64/worlds-away-2-0
Sunday 8 November – Backdoor 54
Eden Bar, 6pm. The festival’s official afterparty, featuring music, pop-up performances and immersive entertainment.
For the full festival programme and tickets, visit:
www.birminghamdragandburlesquefestival.co.uk
About Birmingham Drag & Burlesque Festival
Taking place from 5–8 November 2026, Birmingham Drag & Burlesque Festival is a new four-day celebration of drag, burlesque, cabaret and creative expression. Produced by Dominus Von Vexo, founder of House of Allure, the festival brings together local, national and international talent through live performances, creative workshops and industry events in venues across Birmingham.
Press interviews, reviews and complimentary tickets
Interviews with festival founder and producer Dominus Von Vexo, and opportunities to speak with festival performers, are available on request.
A limited number of complimentary press and review tickets are available for The Follies Grandé at The Old Rep Theatre on Saturday 7 November, subject to availability.
Journalists and media representatives wishing to attend should provide their name, email address and number of tickets requested so arrangements can be made with the theatre.