The Drag Balls in the modern era ran from the late 1960s until the mid-90s when they were superseded by night-club venues such as Madame Jo-Jo’s, The Way-Out Club and Stunners.

They first began as the Chelsea Arts Ball and progressed to the Porchester Hall run by Jean Fredericks. Unfortunately, Jean died in the late 70s and they were then run by Drag Star Steve Francis, helped by Ron Storme. Beaumont Society member Janet of Ealing then found a venue in East London, The Tudor Lodge in 1982. Dennis Gilling also ran Drag Balls at the Porchester Hall on alternative months to Steve Francis.

The Porchester Hall Balls hit their peak during the early 80s and continued at the Porchester until Dennis Gilling ran a couple of SM Drag Balls entitled Feather, Leather, Flesh and Whiplash. Unfortunately, due to some very bad publicity, the governors of the Porchester refused to allow the Drag Balls to continue at this venue.

Of all the venues and all the Balls, the Porchester Hall Drag Balls between 1980 and 1986 had to be some of the greatest nights out in London that anyone could have had. Of the Drag Balls that took place during the 70s and 80s, the best were surely held in The Porchester Hall.