South Shields pub set to host Big Pink Dress charity fashion show

Big Pink Dress fundraiser Colin Burgin-Plews, is organising the event with Kathleen Brain, manager of The Steamboat, in Mill Dam, South Shields, in the hope of raising around £1,000 for charity Breast Cancer Now.

Kathleen says around 15 of the pub’s customers have agreed to wear some of Colin’s famous frocks and model them on a runway in front of members of the public at the pub.

She said: “Colin is one of our regulars and when I was having a chat with him the other day he was telling me he has all these big pink dresses in his loft.

“I suggested that we should do a fashion show with them all.

“A lot of men have been volunteering to take part. It has been quite surprising but we have got a lot of regulars who have been through cancer, are dealing with cancer, or have lost friends to it.”

She added: “We do a lot of charity events in the pub, so we thought this event would be a bit of fun and raise funds for a good cause.

“We will be holding the event on Sunday June 5 at 4pm and it is open to the public to come along.”

Those taking part will be a range of ages ranging - from a 19-year-old to those in their 60s - and they will be wearing a range of pink dresses old and new.

Colin, from West Harton, South Shields, said: “It is just a bit of fun to raise as much as possible for the charity. A lot of the lads were keen to help, although a few had to be persuaded!

“I have 24 dresses, 99% of which I have made myself. I also plan to make a few more for the show.

“It should be good fun.”

Anyone wanting to come along to the shop will be charged 50p entry into the pub and then will be asked to make a donation.

The Steamboat is also looking for raffle prizes, to donate contact the pub on: 0191 454 0134.