Father JC: Don’t Miss My Margate
Welcome to our new interview series, My Margate, which uncovers the very best gems that Margate has to offer.
And who’s better to do that, than some of the most talented people in town - from award-winning poets to drag kings, DJs, influencers, artists and baristas.
Our latest interview in the My Margate series is drag artist, Father JC.
Father JC is an Irish Drag Priest with mass appeal
first things first, let’s get you introduced
My name is Father JC and I am an Irish Catholic priest with mass appeal.
What do you do in Margate?
I’m a frequent visitor to Margs, flying in on Ryanair every First Friday to host Mic Drop — the only paid queer open mic night in Kent.
Artists from all over pilgrimage to perform at CAMP.
Musicians, comedians, drag artists, poets, all sharing their work. The Mic Drop audience is notorious, they’re the kindest and most welcoming crowd EVER!
What brought you here? Or have you always been here?
I heard the Margz vibes were just fabulous and that the people 'love to have a good time' (if you know, you know).
I’d been here a few times, DJing, performing at Margate Pride with all the local icons and I thought, there are so many artists here, so many talented people who maybe don’t even think of themselves as artists, but who have something to share.
I knew we could create a space for that. A sacred space, if you will.
Team CAMP were the first believers, and now we’ve had over 100 performers join the Mic Drop family. We’ve sold out shows, had people peering in through the windows because it was so packed. We are having an absolute ball!
Father JC can be found preaching at CAMP and Margate Arts Club
What makes Margate magic for you?
Anything is possible here. There are small miracles every day. Shops transformed into galleries. Living rooms into clubs. A small town with a big heart.
Everyone is only delighted to help. I host an annual club night called JC’s Hedonist Club at Margate Arts Club to ring in the festive season.
It’s a night of pure joy, chaos and celebration. Last year, Arts Club found me a six-foot pulpit to bring a little extra divinity to the dance floor. Absolutely iconic!
What’s Your favourite shop?
The Margate Bookshop, such a curated and cherished space.
Father JC performs all over the UK, but has a special place in his heart for Margate
What’s your favourite way to spend a Saturday or Sunday here?
Up early, smile at the sea, quick cup of tea!
Who is your Margate legend?
The Queer Run Margate founders. They are legends and icons. They’ve created the most welcoming of communities. And apparently, they run sometimes too!
What’s your Don’t Miss Margate tip?
Take a right at the Bus Cafe and you can walk right out to the edge of the land — just sea for miles. Then stop back at the Bus Cafe for a veggie breakfast. Best seat? Top deck!
Don’t miss Father JC on his heavenly adventures, follow him here. His Holy Show is touring now.
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