A DALTON organisation, in partnership with a Mayor is hosting an event to promote inclusion and diversity in the area.

Drop Zone Youth Projects, a community organisation based in Dalton, alongside the Mayor and Lead Member for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Hayley Preston are organising a Mayor's Drag Ball event.

The event is is taking place on Friday January 20 at The Forum in Barrow and will be a cabaret style evening with music, dancing and performances. 

Local Drag Queens will be attending alongside a variety of guests.

The Mail: Mayor's drag ball poster.Mayor's drag ball poster. (Image: Submitted)

Cath Corkill, Director of Drop Zone Youth Projects, who's behind the organisation of the event, said: "When Hayley Preston began her term in office earlier this year she announced it would be a year of inclusion to bring all our communities together.

"After the success of Furness Pride 2022 we wanted to use it as a platform to host more events that promote inclusion." 

All money raised in the Ball will support Furness Pride 2023. 

Furness Pride will take place in Barrow Town Centre on Saturday, May 13 and will showcase local talent. 

The Mail: Furness Pride 2022.Furness Pride 2022. (Image: Newsquest)

There will be performances in the Town Centre, a parade, workshops, and local organisations hosting stalls within the Forum. 

The theme this year is harmony and there will be school competitions running and education about the history of pride. 

Cath Corkill said: "We have worked alongside Barrow Full to secure two artists who are going to work alongside our groups and community to produce something amazing, which will be announced next month."

"As a youth organisation we feel it is really important to educate about inclusion, offer safe spaces and events that people can attend and be who they are. We offer training around LGBTQ+ and Trans Awareness and also offer organisations, businesses and schools to sign up for our BAFTA Inclusivity Charter. We had over 4000 people attend this year's Pride event so want 2023 to be just as positive and successful", concluded Cath.

It is an over 18 event with tickets costing £10 and £7.50 for concessions.

Tickets can be purchased on The Forum Barrow website or by calling the box office on 01229 820000.