An evening celebrating and commemorating Mark Ashton, lost to AIDS in 1987, founder of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.
Pride and Perverts is an evening of drag, dance and speakers with Sooz Kempner, Ada Campe Dosa Cat and HOMOPARODY!
Mark Ashton was a gay rights activist and one of the founders of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners in the 1980s. He played a key role in building solidarity between LGBTQ+ activists and striking miners during the 1984–85 miners’ strike. Mark was also involved in HIV activism and political organising, and is remembered for his energy, compassion and belief in collective action. His impact continues to be felt through ongoing work for equality and social justice.
The night will be a fundraiser for the Mark Ashton Red Ribbon Fund held by Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK's leading HIV charity. The fund helps support Terrence Higgins Trust Hardship Fund, helping those living with HIV on the poverty line.
Line up
Billy Bragg - Billy is a singer-songwriter known for blending folk, punk, and protest music into a distinctive, politically charged style. Emerging in the 1980s, he became closely associated with social activism, often writing about workers’ rights, equality, and British identity. His raw, stripped-down sound and direct lyrics helped him stand out, with songs like “A New England” becoming enduring classics. Over the years, he’s remained a respected voice in both music and political discourse.
Sooz Kempner - brilliant stand‑up comedian, incredible singer, and star of the Edinburgh Fringe and Sundays at The RVT.
Ada Campe - magical cabaret star and award‑winning cast member of The RVT panto.
Dosa Cat
HOMOPARODY - dance group bring bold, joyful choreography to life, blending queer celebration, humour and pop‑culture into high‑energy performances that are impossible not to smile at.
PLEASE READ; This is a mixed seating/standing event, with limited seats, first come, first serve, if you have accessibility requirements, please email dave@vauxhalltavern.com
Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm.
Line up subject to last minute changes.