‘You're not gonna see another act like me’ - drag artist makes Belladrum pledge

Darryl Geegan (AKA Venus Guytrap) answered some questions ahead of appearing at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival.

Q. You're a home-grown talent and have performed at Belladrum several times before, what are you most looking forward to this time around and why?

A. I'm really looking forward to my usual appearance, but also to hosting Bella Blind Date! It's a fun new idea which is guaranteed to bring the laughs, and who knows... perhaps a romance waiting to happen!

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Q. How would you describe your offering to people who might be seeing you for the first time?

A. You're not gonna see another act like me. Think drag, but make it punk with a bit of rock and a hint of rap! Family friendly for sure, but the voice doesn't match the face!

Q. When you're at music festivals do you ever find time to soak in the atmosphere and catch up or watch any of the other acts, if so, who will you most likely have an eye on at Belladrum this time around?

A. Honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone I possibly can! This will be the first time in many years I'll be there for the whole weekend (my gigging schedule is insane) so it'll be nice to just chill out and take it all in this time around!

Q. The festival theme is love, what is your favourite love song of all time and why?

A. Ooooh that's a tough one... I think I'd have to say Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. It was my parents' first dance song so it has a special place in my heart!

Q. You're super busy with work, gigs with your band, dates as Venus - do you ever get a chance to relax? What does the perfect day off look like?

A. Hahaha days off are few and far between! My perfect day off consists of a late rise, snuggles with my dogs, and trash TV (and maybe an adult beverage!)

Q. Some people might recognise you from your charitable efforts with this year's Strictly Inverness dance contest. How was that experience for you?

A. The whole Strictly experience was glorious. Don't get me wrong, there was LITERAL blood, sweat and tears every single week (with the occasional mental breakdown mid-rehearsal), but I would recommend the experience to anybody looking to do something fun and extremely rewarding for a beautiful charity [Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre]. Challenging and exhausting, yes, but incredibly gratifying!

See Venus Guytrap at The Venus Flytrap Palais on Friday.

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