Arcade Gigs

Berwyn, Yan and Priya laughing in the Arcade.

The Queer Emporium hosts a range of Arcade Gigs in the Royal Arcade, starring a variety of queer performers. Below, we've included information about the different nights and their hosts.

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Miriam leans on Geraint's shoulder, as they both stare at the camera in a dimly lit Arcade.

Biconic

Local bicons Geraint Rhys Edwards &
Miriam Isaac host Biconic, celebrating the bi+ community and renowned bicons. The performers will reveal pay tribute to famous bicons but reveal them on the night a la Stars in Their Eyes! Don't know what that means? Like this!

Image of Sara Huws folding her arms in the dimly lit arcade, in a pink jumpsuit.

Bwtch

Celebrating butchness, now and always, Bwtch is a talent show for anyone with a butch skill or talent, whether that is changing a fuse in a plug, re-enacting the removal of a wasp from a space, performance art, poetry. The show is hosted by Sara Huws and there are prizes to be won for participating (we are that kind of venue)!

Cardiff Queer Comedy

Since 2021, comedian Leila Navabi has curated, booked and hosted Cardiff Queer Comedy, our stand-up and comedy night here at The Queer Emporium. Every June too, we host our Edinburgh Preview Season, where queer comedians taking shows to Edinburgh Fringe Festival bring them to Cardiff first!

Daniel Huw Bowen stood in the Royal Arcade, facing the camera, lit in blue and pink.

Chwarae'r Chwedlau: Cabaret

Our Welsh language night, Chwarae’r Chwedlau: Cabaret, is a variety show hosted by team member, Daniel Huw Bowen. Artists are encouraged to take part in the show no matter their fluency in the language, and will even offer mentorship and translation help if you’d like to try performing in Welsh.

Kabambi in a dimly lit Arcade, holding a fan that says 'Diva'.

Dathliad

Launched in March 2025, Dathliad is a night that celebrates Black, Welsh, queer talent (‘dathliad’ is the Welsh word for ‘celebration’). Hosted and produced by Kabambi, the night has included performances and acts from Anansi Boy, Auzora Dynasty, J Hard and Asha Jane.

Alia and Muz pose in a dimply lit Arcade.

You're Invited

Birthed from the minds of Aunty Ji (Muz) & Alia, You’re Invited is an event created to celebrate the diverse range of global majority cultures. Showcasing a variety of cultural performances from poetry to food and a panel of amazing individuals sharing their stories. Come learn, eat some great food and broaden your horizons!

Marmalade and Just Jam smile over their shoulders at the camera in a dimly lit arcade,

Marm's Spotlight

Star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 6 star, Marmalade, curates a night featuring her favourite acts from Cardiff and afar! Those who have taken part include Dairy King and Lill! This event sells out fairly rapidly, so we’d recommend getting tickets as soon as you can!

Polly Amorous, in a blue wig and pink and blue outfit, stares directly at the camera.

Sober Sally's

A night by and for sober and sober-curious queer folks, Sober Sally’s is hosted by the Sober Songbird of Splott, Polly Amorous! For the evening, The Queer Emporium will have a fully sober bar, and the event features musical performances and interviews.

Justin Drag stares directly at the camera, with the Royal Arcade blurred behind him.

Transition

Transition, a night for trans, non-binary and intersex people was created by Justin Drag, the night and features performances by members of the community and distribution of mutual aid resources.