20
Nov,2025
Imagine a room full of glitter, laughter, and a drag queen yelling, "B-I-N-G-O!" while someone in the back screams, "I WIN!" - and no, you didn’t just walk into a theater. You’re at a drag bingo night in London, and it’s the most joyful, unapologetically campy girls’ night out you’ve ever had.
What Even Is Drag Bingo?
Drag bingo is exactly what it sounds like: bingo, but with drag performers running the show. Instead of a quiet librarian calling out numbers, you’ve got a flamboyant queen in full glam - think sequins, towering wigs, and attitude - belting out "B-3!" while dancing on a table. The bingo cards? They’re not just numbers. Some have cheeky phrases like "Pillow Fight," "Sashay Away," or "Twerk It Like Beyoncé."
It’s not about winning. It’s about showing up, letting loose, and being part of a crowd that doesn’t care if you can’t sing, dance, or spell "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." You just need to be ready to cheer, laugh, and maybe scream when the queen does a backflip off the stage after someone hits a full card.
These events started popping up in queer bars in the early 2010s as a way to bring people together without the pressure of dating or clubbing. Now, they’re a staple in London’s LGBTQ+ scene - especially for women, nonbinary folks, and girls’ groups looking for something fun that doesn’t involve cocktails and loud bass.
Why Girls’ Groups Love It
Think about your usual girls’ night: dinner, drinks, maybe karaoke. Great. But what if you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a glitter bomb explosion? Drag bingo delivers that.
It’s not just entertainment - it’s connection. Women in their 20s to 50s show up in groups of 4, 6, even 12. Some come in matching T-shirts. Others wear wigs they bought just for the night. One group from Peckham showed up in full 90s teen movie outfits - think Clueless meets RuPaul’s Drag Race. They won the "Best Costume" prize: a giant glittery tiara and a voucher for free cocktails at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
The vibe? Safe, silly, and deeply inclusive. No one’s judging your bingo skills. No one’s asking if you’re "actually queer." You’re just there, laughing with your friends while a queen in 6-inch heels does a live lip-sync to "I Will Survive" while handing out free lollipops to winners.
Where to Find Drag Bingo in London
Not every bar does drag bingo. You need to know where to look. Here are the top three spots that consistently run weekly or monthly events:
- The Royal Vauxhall Tavern - This historic LGBTQ+ venue in Vauxhall has been hosting drag bingo since 2018. They run it every Friday at 8 PM. No need to book - just show up. But come early. The place fills up fast. They use real bingo balls and a mechanical caller. The queens rotate weekly, so you might see a former Drag Race UK contestant one week and a local favorite the next.
- The Glory - In East London, this bar is known for its wild, unfiltered energy. Their drag bingo nights happen on the last Saturday of every month. The cards here are themed: "90s Kids," "Netflix & Chill," or "My Ex Is a Bad Person." Winners get a free shot and a hug from the host. They also have a "Bingo Jail" - if you miss a number, you have to do a silly dance. No one ever refuses.
- Stonewall London - A newer addition to the scene, this spot in Soho hosts "Bingo & Bubbles" every Sunday afternoon. It’s more relaxed, with champagne served on the house for anyone who hits bingo. Perfect for brunch crowds or older groups who want to enjoy drag without the late-night club noise.
Pro tip: Always check Instagram. Most venues post their event dates and drag queen lineups the week before. Search #DragBingoLondon - you’ll find photos of people in full drag outfits, holding bingo cards like they just won the lottery.
What to Expect (And What to Bring)
First, don’t dress up like you’re going to a wedding. This isn’t that kind of night. Wear what makes you feel bold. A sequin top? Perfect. A t-shirt that says "I’m Not a Drag Queen, But I Play One on Tuesdays"? Even better.
You don’t need to bring anything but yourself - but here’s what most people end up bringing:
- Extra cash - Some venues sell bingo cards for £3-£5. Others charge a £10 cover that includes your first card and a drink.
- A friend who’s willing to yell "BINGO!" for you - It gets loud. You might miss your number.
- A phone charger - You’ll be taking 50 photos. Trust us.
- A sense of humor - The queens roast the crowd. Gently. Playfully. With love. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you might cry. And no one wants that.
Don’t worry if you’ve never played bingo before. The host explains it in five seconds: "You mark the squares as I call them. When you get five in a row - shout BINGO. We’ll check your card. If it’s right, you win. If it’s wrong, you do a dance. Everyone wins anyway."
It’s More Than Just a Game
Beneath the glitter and the laughter, drag bingo is a quiet act of resistance. It’s queer joy made visible. It’s women gathering in spaces that weren’t always made for them. It’s a reminder that community doesn’t have to be serious to be powerful.
One regular, Maria from Lewisham, told me she started coming after her best friend passed away. "I didn’t know how to be happy again," she said. "Then I went to The Glory. A drag queen hugged me and said, ‘You’re here. That’s enough.’ I’ve been back every month since. I’ve made friends. I’ve danced. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed so hard I peed a little. And I finally feel like I belong."
That’s the magic. You don’t need to be LGBTQ+ to feel it. You just need to be human.
How to Organize Your Own Drag Bingo Night
Got a group of friends who want to try this? You can even throw your own. Here’s how:
- Book a space - A living room, a community center, even a pub backroom. Most places are happy to host if you bring a crowd.
- Print bingo cards - Use free templates online. Add silly squares like "Spill Wine," "Do a TikTok Dance," or "Say ‘I’m a Queen’ in a British Accent."
- Find a local drag performer - DM small drag artists on Instagram. Many are happy to do a 30-minute set for free or a donation. They love the exposure.
- Keep it casual - No pressure to win. Play music. Have snacks. Let people be weird.
- Donate to a queer charity - Many hosts do. Pick one - like Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline or The Albert Kennedy Trust - and put a jar out. People will chip in.
One group in Croydon did this last year. They raised £800 for a trans youth shelter. The drag queen they hired cried when she saw the donation. "I’ve never felt so seen," she told them.
Final Thoughts: Just Go
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re part of something alive - something messy, bright, and beautifully queer - drag bingo is your invitation.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s not about knowing the rules. It’s about making new ones.
So grab your girls. Wear your weirdest socks. Bring your loudest voice. And when that queen yells "B-I-N-G-O!" - don’t just shout back. Jump. Dance. Celebrate. Because for one night, in one room, in London - you’re not just playing a game. You’re part of the show.
Do I need to be LGBTQ+ to attend drag bingo in London?
Nope. Drag bingo is for everyone. The events are welcoming, safe, and intentionally inclusive. You don’t need to identify as queer to enjoy the fun, the laughter, or the community. Many attendees are straight allies who just love a good show and a great time.
How much does drag bingo cost in London?
Most events charge between £3 and £10. Some include a free drink with your ticket. Others charge extra for bingo cards - usually £3 per card. You can buy multiple cards, so if you’re with a group, it’s easy to split the cost. Cover charges are rare at Sunday or afternoon events, but common on Friday and Saturday nights.
Is drag bingo family-friendly?
It depends on the venue and the night. Most drag bingo nights in London are 18+, especially those held in bars. But some Sunday afternoon events, like at Stonewall London, are more relaxed and sometimes allow younger attendees with adult supervision. Always check the event description - if it says "adults only" or "18+," it’s best to respect that.
Can I bring my own bingo cards?
Usually not. Venues use their own cards, often themed to the night or the performer. But if you’re organizing your own event, you can make custom cards - and you should! Personalized squares with inside jokes make the night way more fun.
What if I don’t know how to play bingo?
No problem. The drag host always explains it in under a minute. It’s just like regular bingo - mark the squares as numbers are called. Five in a row - horizontal, vertical, or diagonal - and you shout "BINGO!" The host checks your card. If it’s right, you win. If not, you dance. Everyone wins anyway.
Are these events accessible for people with disabilities?
Most venues in London are wheelchair accessible, and many offer large-print bingo cards on request. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern and Stonewall London have hearing loops for those with hearing impairments. If you have specific needs, call ahead - the staff are used to accommodating guests and will help however they can.
How often do drag bingo nights happen in London?
Weekly at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, monthly at The Glory, and every Sunday at Stonewall London. Smaller venues and pop-ups happen occasionally - check Instagram hashtags like #DragBingoLondon or join local LGBTQ+ Facebook groups for updates. Events are more frequent between March and October, but they run year-round.
Can I tip the drag performers?
Absolutely - and they love it. Most venues have a tip jar near the stage. You can also hand cash directly to the performer after their set. Many drag artists rely on tips as a major part of their income. A £5 or £10 tip means a lot. A shout-out like "You were amazing!" means even more.
Is there a dress code?
No dress code - just bring your best energy. Some people wear full glam. Others wear jeans and a T-shirt with a glitter pen drawing on it. The rule is simple: if you feel good, you’re dressed right. The more sparkly, the better - but it’s not required.
What if I’m shy or nervous?
You’re not alone. Many people show up nervous - especially if it’s their first time. The crowd is never mean. The queens are there to make you laugh, not to embarrass you. Sit near the back if you need to. No one will force you to dance or sing. Just show up, order a drink, and let the joy wash over you. You’ll leave feeling lighter than you came in.
