Saturday 5th December · AREA Manchester
What is Motherland?
Find your people. Find your Motherland.
The festival
WHAT IS MOTHERLAND?
Motherland is more than a drag festival - it's a celebration of self-expression, creativity and queer community.
Created by The House of Virgin and Mia Virgin, Motherland was born from a vision of bringing people together through the power of drag. It's a space where artists can shine, audiences can connect, and everyone is welcomed exactly as they are.
Motherland is about lifting each other up, creating opportunities, embracing diversity and reminding one another that there is strength, beauty and joy in being unapologetically yourself.
No Gatekeeping. No Judgement. No Expectations. Just DRAG. Just COMMUNITY. Just MOTHERLAND.
Everyone
WHO BELONGS HERE?
EVERYONE.
Motherland was created to be a space where people from all walks of life can come together through a shared love of drag, performance and community. Whether you're stepping into a drag venue for the very first time or you've been part of the scene for years, you'll always have a place here.
We celebrate individuality in all its forms. Motherland is built on the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, respected and empowered to express themselves without fear of judgement. We embrace diversity, champion creativity and encourage everyone to show up exactly as they are.
At Motherland, we don't believe in fitting into a box. We believe in celebrating what makes each of us unique. Every identity, every expression and every story adds to what makes our community so vibrant.
On the night
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Motherland is bringing together everything we love about drag, nightlife and queer culture for one unforgettable celebration. From jaw-dropping performances to a packed dancefloor, every moment is designed to celebrate the incredible talent and diversity within our community.
HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT AT MOTHERLAND:
- Electrifying performances from incredible drag artists
- Special appearances from RuPaul's Drag Race stars
- Live Vocal Performances
- DJs keeping the party going til 3AM
- A dancefloor full of energy until 3AM
- Emerging talent performing alongside established artists
- An inclusive, welcoming and safe environment
- Picture-perfect moments and unforgettable memories
- A community where new friendships and chosen family are made
- Plenty of surprises throughout the night
Our mission
OUR MISSION
At Motherland, we are committed to…
- Creating a safe and inclusive space for all
- Celebrating every style of drag and performance
- Supporting emerging and established artists
- Championing diversity, authenticity and self-expression
- Building a community that uplifts and empowers one another
- Creating unforgettable experiences through drag, music and queer joy
Together, we're building more than a festival, we're building a home where everyone can Find Their People and Find Their Motherland.
Community
FIND YOUR PEOPLE!
Whether you arrive with your chosen family or walk through our doors on your own, Motherland is a place where connections are made, friendships begin and everyone is welcomed with open arms. It's a space where performers support performers, audiences become part of the show, and strangers leave as friends.
Drag has always been about community, acceptance and creating spaces where people can be their authentic selves. Motherland continues that tradition by bringing together people from every background, united by a love of creativity, self-expression and queer joy.
At Motherland you'll find…
- A welcoming and inclusive community
- A space where everyone belongs
- New friendships and chosen family
- People who celebrate your individuality
- A safe space to be unapologetically yourself
- A community that lifts each other up
House rules
THE MOTHERLAND COMMANDMENTS
THE MOTHERLAND COMMANDMENTS:
- Thou shalt celebrate everyone: Cheer loudly, support every performer and spread the love.
- Thou shalt respect every identity: Motherland is a space for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, race, ability or background.
- Thou shalt be unapologetically yourself: Wear the outfit. Express yourself. Take up space. Shine.
- Thou shalt lift others up: Kindness, encouragement and community will always come first.
- Thou shalt embrace every style of drag: Glamour, camp, horror, alternative, comedy, fashion and everything in between all belong here.
- Thou shalt have the time of your life: Dance, sing, laugh and make memories you'll never forget.
- Thou shalt leave judgement at the door: There is no room for hate, discrimination or negativity in Motherland.
Find your Motherland
Saturday 5th December · 6PM – 5AM · AREA Manchester