The activities team at Larkrise Care Centre, in Banbury, organised a very colourful June for the home as it embraced Pride month, culminating in a performance by Scarlett Flare, a local drag queen and friend of the care home.

Scarlett came in full make up and a glamourous outfit. She gave fantastic, lip-synced performances of songs including Dancing Queen, These Boots Are Made For Walking and Please Mr Postman. Scarlett danced and entertained residents in the Club room, and after the main performance she visited residents who stay in their bedrooms. Everyone enjoyed the glamour and entertainment which Scarlett brought to the home.

In the days before the show, the home held a Pride hat decorating competition and helped residents to create Pride themed t-shirts.

Activities Coordinator, Kelly-Ann said: “Residents wore their hats and t-shirts in a display of support for the Pride theme ‘Love is Love’. There was a fantastic party atmosphere in the home to welcome Scarlett into the home for her first visit.”

Tracey, Care Leader, said: “Scarlett made a big impression on residents including several who live with dementia and have poor short-term memory, who were talking about Scarlett the next day and asking when she would be back. It shows just how impactful and stimulating Scarlett’s performance was.

“We’ve not had a drag artist in the home before, and their interest and enthusiasm show how supportive and accepting our residents are.”

Scarlett has close ties with the home as she is the alter ego of Jake Tracey, the nephew of the home’s Deputy Manager, Louise.