Legend in the Making
The LEGEND IN THE MAKING newcomers' competition takes place every year as part of the HEBDEN BRIDGE BURLESQUE FESTIVAL.
Each year, 10 finalists are chosen to compete in front of a panel of expert judges. Previous judges include former Miss Exotic Worlds, MEDIANOCHE, KITTEN DEVILLE & INGA, International headliners, BETTIE BOMBSHELL, SYDNI DEVERAUX & SWEETPEA, photographer to the stars & producer, NEIL KENDALL, This Is Cabaret's FRANCO MILAZZO, top European performers & producers, HAVANA HURRICANE, TRIXIE BLUE, LILLY SNATCHDRAGON, LENA MAE & FREAKY CANDY, burlesque host & Vintage Personality of the Year, KIKI DEVILLE, producers of Kinky & Quirky, MARK & SARAH BELL, Beyond the Cabaret producer SEAN MOONEY and head of Entertainment at Albert's Schloss UK, JOE SPENCER.
In addition to our industry experts, the LEGEND IN THE MAKING live audience makes up 20% of the overall vote and decides the winner of the "Audience Choice" award.
LEGEND IN THE MAKING was nominated for the BEST BURLESQUE COMPETITION 2016 at the BURLESQUE AWARDS (in association with Burlesque Bible.)
LEGEND IN THE MAKING 2025 WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 1st MAY AT TODMORDEN HIPPODROME.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
(Application Deadline: Midnight on 2nd February 2025)
Previous Winners:
2024
WINNER: Violet Thistletease
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Violet Thistletease
2023
WINNER: Turkish Delight
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Velvet Ivy
2022
WINNER: Wanda Von Weird
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Wanda Von Weird
2019
WINNER: Rudy JeeVanJee
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Rita Rumpunch
2018
WINNER: Aurora Nova
AUDIENCE CHOICE: The Vixen Trio
2017
WINNER: Bonnie Boux
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Bonnie Knockers
2016
WINNER: Uma Shadow
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Seedy Frills
2015
WINNER: Coco Blue Farrari
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Good Ness Gracious
2014
WINNER: Mimi Amore (Now known as Gina Stirling)
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Shir Madness
2013
WINNER: Titsalina Bumsquash
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Titsalina Bumsquash
(Photo credits: Tony Heath Photography, Solstice Photography, Fotocad, Ben Gwynne, Jo Dennison, Ravey Davey, Stage Zero Photography)