Organisers of a charity ladies night in Sidmouth have defended the event after promotional posts drew angry online comments about drag performers. The fundraiser, planned for Fizz & Feast, aims to support Hospiscare while offering guests live entertainment, DJs, dancers, games and a lively night out for adults.

Essential Takeaways

  • Fundraising focus: Proceeds are intended for Hospiscare, supporting hospice care across the region.
  • Adult-only event: Organisers stressed that children aren't welcome and that the entertainment is aimed at adults.
  • Line-up announced: Drag performers, strippers, naked butlers, a DJ, singer Just Jack and a photo booth are listed.
  • Ticket details: Admission costs £22, including a glass of prosecco, with limited places available.
  • Online reaction: Promotional posts attracted criticism, prompting organiser Dom Boull to call for more kindness.

A charity night becomes an online flashpoint

The fundraiser was meant to be a straightforward evening of glitter, music and entertainment. Instead, its promotion became the centre of a heated social media dispute after comments criticised the inclusion of drag performers and questioned whether children might see the advertising.

Dom Boull, who helped promote the event, said he was surprised by the reaction when he checked the posts the following morning. He reminded commenters that the evening was raising money for hospice care, rather than presenting itself as a family activity.

That distinction matters. The event is explicitly aimed at adults, and the organisers said children aren't permitted to attend. In other words, anyone who doesn't fancy the format can simply give it a miss, which is usually the less exhausting option for everyone involved.

What guests can expect on the night

The event is scheduled for Friday, September 25, at Fizz & Feast in The Old Post Office on Vicarage Road, Sidmouth. It runs from 7.30pm until midnight, giving guests several hours of entertainment, dancing and fundraising activities.

The advertised programme includes drag performers Roberta Calamari and Ginnie DaFuq, two strippers, naked butlers, a DJ, singer Just Jack, a photo booth and a glitter bar. Guests can also take part in a prosecco draw, tombola and cash draw, with sweet bags adding a more playful touch.

Tickets cost £22 per person and include a glass of prosecco on arrival. Organisers said numbers are limited, while postage and packing costs £3.10 per envelope for tickets sent by post.

Why the charity message is central

Organisers have repeatedly highlighted Hospiscare as the beneficiary. A later promotional post said the charity had been selected by the event team, rather than by the charity itself, a clarification that appears to have been made after questions about the fundraiser's connection with the organisation.

That kind of transparency is useful, particularly when an event combines adult entertainment with charitable giving. Hospiscare relies on community support, and fundraising nights can bring in money while also giving people an enjoyable reason to meet, dress up and spend an evening together.

The wider charity events market has plenty of similar examples, from comedy evenings to themed nights and sell-out ladies events supporting children's hospice services. The formula is familiar: a social occasion, a touch of spectacle and a clear cause behind it.

Social media moderation adds another layer

The event was promoted in three Sidmouth Facebook groups, including Sidmouth Community, Sidmouth Community UK and Sidmouth Community for the People. Boull said one group restricted the post and removed several comments after the discussion became hostile.

He acknowledged that moderation can feel uncomfortable, particularly when people raise questions about free speech. But there is also a practical difference between criticism and personal abuse, especially when comments target performers or organisers rather than the event itself.

For anyone promoting an adult fundraiser online, clear wording can help. Stating the age restriction, the venue, the charity, ticket price and entertainment from the start leaves less room for confusion, although it won't necessarily stop determined keyboard warriors from having their say.

A lively night, if it suits your taste

The fundraiser won't appeal to everyone, and that's perfectly normal. Drag, burlesque-style entertainment and adult-only comedy are particular kinds of nightlife, not compulsory community activities.

For those who do want to attend, tickets are available from Fizz & Feast or by messaging Emma Chudley on Facebook. The event poster also lists [email protected] as a contact address.

Boull ended his response by calling for greater kindness and saying he had expected better from Sidmouth. That may be the most useful takeaway from the whole episode: disagreement is inevitable, but a charity event supporting hospice care should be able to advertise without becoming a battleground.

It's a glittery fundraiser with a serious purpose, so choose your evening accordingly.

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