DragCon UK: Drag queens gather for two-day convention

Michelle Visage cuts the ribbon to open RuPaul's DragCon UK at the ExCeL

Almost 200 drag queens gathered in east London on Saturday for the opening of DragCon.

The third annual convention for Drag Race fans welcomed queens from across the world at ExCel London.

The two-day event includes performances, meet and greets and shopping stalls.

BBC's LGBT & Identity Producer Josh Parry, who was at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday morning, described the event as a "world of colour".

Around 180 queens took to the pink carpet for the opening event

Bright costumes took centre stage

Sequins and glamorous make up on the pink carpet

The event welcomed drag queens from across the world

Around 180 queens "sashayed" down the pink carpet for the official opening of the event before being welcomed by one of the judges on Drag Race UK Michelle Visage.

Drag queen Ella Vaday from Dagenham said: "It's about meeting the fans from all around the world that watch us on TV.

"It gives you a chance to connect, have a chat and it's about a really positive environment."

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The event is an opportunity for fans to meet drag queens who have started in the show

Fans of the show packed out London's ExCel on Saturday for the start of the two-day event

A drag queen makes her way to the event

Cheryl Hole, Drag Race UK series one contestant from Chelmsford, said the event was a "fabulous" weekend.

"DragCon really is this opportunity to bring the world together to celebrate everything that we love," she said.

Fenton Bailey, owner of the US production company behind RuPaul's Drag Race, said: "I think it's amazing for us to see ourselves on TV and also to be able to meet in person.

"The energy here, the sort of feeling of community and fellowship is amazing.

"It is chaos, but it's the best kind of chaos."

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