LOCAL MARKET BREAKS GROUND ON DIVERSITY 11 years after turning heads by converting an old fish factory in Hout Bay into one of the hottest weekend spots in Cape Town, and raking in numerous awards along the way, Bay Harbour Market is once again breaking ground in the realms of entertainment. Who would of anticipated the introduction of feather boas and diamante stilettos in the line-up of live family entertainment would draw crowds from all over the city and lift the roof in sing-along tunes and dance! Has drag gone mainstream in the Mothercity? Since the introduction of a Drag Show in October 2021 at Bay Harbour Market, local stars Kat Gilardi and Manila von Teez have been entertaining the crowds with their catchy roster of sing-along classic tunes – and with a full house every time they perform, the energy is palpable! With a focus on fun festivities that the whole family can enjoy, Drag in the Bay is set to open the channels for a whole new generation of drag enthusiasts and make it mainstream in the entertainment industry. “During a brainstorming session with our traders in the middle of the pandemic, it was suggested that Bay Harbour Market should lead the way in being inclusive when it comes to representing talent and entertainment in Cape Town” says Lyn Mance, Bay Harbour Market stakeholder and head of marketing. “So we got to work on revising our entertainment lineup – and as a space and stage that wholeheartedly loves and supports the arts and entertainment, it was a no-brainer that drag should be included in the line-up.” Though the pandemic pressed pause on gigs, as of 2021, drag cabaret stars Kat and Manila have found themselves in high demand. “I’m not sure if it’s thanks to the pandemic, but we can clearly see that the art of drag is becoming more accepted,” explains Manila. “We have more performers and the audiences are more engaging, with venues being more open to us being there.”
Manila Von Teez
Kat Gilhardi Photo: Errol Stroebel
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