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, 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, and Beyond the Cabaret producer SEAN MOONEY.

In addition to our industy 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 2024 WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 2nd MAY AT TODMORDEN HIPPODROME.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

(Application Deadline: Midnight on 1st February 2024)

Previous Winners:

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)