Ginger Johnson: 'London's queer scene is phenomenal'
The Drag Race UK Season 5 winner is chatting all things London as the capital takes the top spot as Best City For Culture 2026
London has claimed the title of the number one city for culture in Time Out's 2026 ranking - and Drag Race UK Season 5 winner Ginger Johnson says she'd want to live nowhere else!
The list, which highlights the world's leading cultural destinations, praised London for the scale, quality, and accessibility of its cultural offerings.
The UK capital is renowned for its diverse communities, historic landmarks, and a vast array of world-class museums and galleries, many of which are free to the public.
The survey draws on insights from over 24,000 city residents worldwide and expertise from Time Out editors.
'Such a fabulous and inspiring city'
Hits Radio Pride has been catching up with Ginger Johnson, the iconic Queen from the North East, about just what makes the capital's scene tick.
Ginger said: "I moved to London nearly 20 years ago, when I finished drama school.
"My personal life and creative life is now based here, and I've discovered that the capital is such a fabulous and inspiring city to work in.
"From the moment I arrived here, after hitting the road on the Megabus, everything just opened up in front of me - I got myself a job in a restaurant, found a flat to live in, made a new friend, and I was off!
"It's the perfect place for an artist, and anyone who enjoys art - and the queer scene, too, is phenomenal.
"London is an amazing city that draws so many people towards it because of the amazing culture and the vibe here, and that includes queer people.
"You can see all sorts of queer art and culture any night of the week here.
"If you're willing to put the shoes on and leave the house, you'll find something fabulous to do."
When walking about the capital, Ginger revealed how most of the time, it's biscuits which people ask her to sign.
It's a bit of a swivel from bags of uncooked sausages, which she told us she was 'very glad' about.
But it's not just about the everyday - but landmark events, like London Pride, which she says are so improtant.
Ginger said: "I absolutely adore London Pride and I have been lucky enough to perform on stages across the city as a part of it.
"A few years ago, Trafalgar Square was such an amazing experience.
"To see that many LGBT+ people all united makes it a brilliant atosphere.
"And with such a vibrant energy, London Pride is one of those which everyone has to do at least once in their lives."
'London is my match and I'm here to stay'
But if there's one question we want the answer to, it's: 'would you live anywhere else?'
Well, she reckons that's an easy one to answer!
Ginger said: "I can't imagine myself living anywhere else in the world right now!
"Apart from the fact that my friends and my cats live here - who I'm really quite attached to - I don't know if there's anywhere that is brave and strong enough do deal with the power of Ginger Johnson!
"London is my match and I'm here to stay".
Paris, New York, Berlin and Cape Town in the Top 5
Following London, Paris stands at second place, with a perfect culture score from locals praising its arts and culture scene.
New York City ranks third, with Berlin and Cape Town completing the top five in Time Out's list, each celebrated for their unique cultural offerings and vibrant scenes.
The ranking serves as a guide for travellers seeking to explore cultural destinations across the globe.
Ginger Johnson is also going on tour - and you can check out 'Show Pony' here.
The full Best Cities for Culture list can be found here.