Southern Comfort is planning to celebrate Pride by hosting a boat party with LGBTQ+ collective Sink The Pink where dancers and drag queens will perform.
Onboard a vintage Mississippi paddle steamer boat, the New Orleans-inspired Pride party on 11 September aims to be an immersive celebration of self-expression and togetherness.
The event takes place on the date Pride In London set for its 2021 central London march. The march has been cancelled due to Covid-19 complications, and the difficulty of holding the parade safely.
On the two-hour cruise, which will set sail along the Thames at 11:30am, there will be DJ sets from Melanie Blatt, Mark-Ashley Dupé and Raven Mandella.
The performers will include voguing crews – dancers who strike a series of stylised poses through swift angular movements, similar to the style of dance in .
Guests can choose from a menu of Southern Comfort cocktails including slushie "Southern passion" and "Sour cherry". New Orleans-inspired food will be served throughout the experience, with fried chicken, jambalaya, mac & cheese and vegan Cajun gumbo on the menu.
Tickets for the event include a complimentary cocktail, a pre-mixed can and a choice of food.
The Academy is delivering the project.
This activation comes as part of a wider Pride commitment from Southern Comfort that includes a pledge to donate £1 from every Southern Comfort limited edition Pride bottle sold to Pride in London's .
In March 2020 Southern Comfort hosted a two-night Mardi Gras party by M&C Saatchi Public Relations featuring themed rooms, a live brass band and immersive performances.
This concept was revisited in a digital format in February 2021. The at-home experience by M&C Saatchi Talk included live-streamed performances and cocktail-making kits.
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