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Drag star dazzles in Lego mosaic ahead of Manchester Pride

BBC A colourful Lego mosaic of north-west drag queen Foo Foo LamarBBC
The mosaic of Foo Foo Lamar has gone on display at the Trafford Centre

A Lego mosaic of a popular entertainer described as an "icon" of Manchester drag has gone display ahead of the city's Pride festival this weekend.

More than 9,000 bricks were used to create the startling impression of Frank Pearson's drag persona Foo Foo Lamar, which has been unveiled at the Legoland Discovery Centre in the Trafford Centre.

The Manchester-born artist died in 2003 after a career in show business that saw them become one of the wider region's best loved acts.

Jacob McPeake, who spent 18 hours creating the piece, said he want to reflect Foo Foo Lamar's "amazing" contribution to the city.

Jacob McPeake stood next to the mosaic he created of Foo Foo Lamar.
The mosaic took Jacob McPeake 18 hours to construct with thousands of Lego pieces

The mosaic features Foo Foo styling the blonde bouffant wig and large dangling earrings for which they became synonymous.

Pearson performed in drag on television, radio and in theatres, before going on to run a number of clubs in Manchester.

He was also known for his charity fundraising efforts, particularly for The Christie hospital.

Mr McPeake said the drag queen's legacy "continues to resonate throughout Manchester and beyond".

“We decided to incorporate the bee, an emblem of Manchester, into the mosaic as a symbol of the cities resilience and community spirit", he said

"On top of that, this year’s Manchester Pride is ‘buzzing to be queer’, so it fits together perfectly.

"I hope it brings joy and pride to everyone celebrating in Manchester this August."

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