Bristol’s LGBTQ+ scene is hugely diverse and ever growing, with gay friendly bars and queer inclusive events always a rhinestone’s throw away.
Named one of the best cities in the world for members of the community to live in, Bristol’s drag scene is standing tall and proud in eight inch heels over other UK cities when it comes to its diversity.
Returning for its 16th year on July 12th, Bristol Pride Day 2025 is set to display performances from a sparkling array of drag acts that represent the city’s standout scene, from striking drag kings to superstar RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni travelling from across the pond.
One of this year’s event coordinators and hosts on the Cabaret stage is none other than the self-proclaimed Wicked Witch of the South West, Tess Drive.
I met Tess in a bustling cafe backdropped by the iconic sights of the harbourside to pick her brains on all things drag.
Often seen sporting a sky-high wig brushing the ceilings of the endless clubs she hosts in, Tess Drive combines the camp and couture in every way possible. Originally from London, Tess moved to Bristol nine years ago, from Minehead, West Somerset with some lace front wigs, a sharp tongue and an unwavering love for musical theatre and the art of drag.
She said: “Whenever I return to London I sometimes think, why did I ever leave? But after a few hours I’m always left thinking ‘I cannot cope, get me back home to Bristol.’”
“There’s a real community atmosphere in Bristol you cannot get anywhere else and you can see that with events like the Harbour Festival, St Pauls Carnival and of course, Pride.”
“I love Bristol. It’s the best city in the country and I will fight people on that,” she smirks.
Over the course of her 14-year drag career, Tess Drive has firmly established herself within the drag community and has an impressive resume under her belt. From being a semi-finalist on Drag Idol to co-founding the Bristol Drag Theatre Company, Tess Drive has taken the drag world for a spin.
I was intrigued to hear Tess’ thoughts on how the scene has shifted over the span of her lengthy career, particularly due to social media and Drag Race’s influence as the standard for drag is now shaped by poise, perfection and polished looks.
“Drag Race has definitely put a spotlight on drag, but with that spotlight comes a magnifying glass.”
Adding: “Because of the show, there is now so much focus on the little details. It’s always the question of how many rhinestones does your outfit have? Is your outfit custom? Oh my god, why is the lace on your wig dirty?”
Tess, 39, adds that: “Drag is not the same as it was when I started 14 years ago and that excites me so much. Bristol is a real melting pot for that. We’ve got age diversity, race diversity, gender diversity but also queens, kings and princes.”
Bristol Pride Day 2025 will be the ninth consecutive year that Tess Drive has performed at the event.
“The most exciting part about Bristol Pride is not about performing on the stage. It’s looking into the sea of 40,000 different faces that are looking to you for entertainment, inspiration and education. It’s such a privilege to be involved and even more of a privilege to help out on it.
“I get emotional when I think about it because I was that person in the crowd when I first moved to Bristol, and now I’ve come full circle,” she gleams with brimming eyes.
The birth of Tess Drive all began at a Burlesque themed party, where she threw on a dusty black wig, a wispy lash and a heavy smoky eye to imitate Tess Scali, Cher’s character.
“I look back at photos and think, oh my god what are you doing? But walking around the club in my towering heels and being head and shoulders above everyone else made me feel so powerful.
“I put that character away in a box for a while but gradually drew her back out and developed my make up skills.
“The reason I have continued to do drag to this day is because it was the second bite of the cherry for me in terms of performance. I was meant to be a professional dancer but injury stopped that and in discovering drag I found an art expression that feeds my soul. And it feeds my wallet,” she grins cheekily.
Bristol Pride Day 2025 is entirely donation ran and wristbands can be found here, and you can find Tess Drive on social media @Tessdriveuk
