Key Points
- Second “Big Gay Beaver Day” will take place next year in London.
- The date of the festival will be 19 September 2026, and it will be held in Paradise Fields in Greenford and Horsenden Farm in Perivale and Greenford.
- The event is hosted by the conservation group Citizen Zoo, raising money for beaver re-introduction projects in London.
- The programme of the event includes guided tour of the beaver enclosure, drag shows, DJ, and arm wrestling contest.
- This is an event only for adults (over 18), the number of guests is limited to 180.
- This project was created by Citizen Zoo, Ealing Wildlife Group, Friends of Horsenden Hill, and Ealing Council, supported by the Mayor of London.
Greenford (Extra London News) August 12, 2026 – Ealing’s urban beaver population is set to take centre stage next month as the community prepares for the return of an unique LGBTQ+ celebration held in the heart of the borough. Big Gay Beaver Day, now in its second year, will bring together conservationists and the queer community at Paradise Fields and Horsenden Farm to champion London’s pioneering urban rewilding efforts.
What is the Big Gay Beaver Day and why is it being held?
The event serves as both a fundraiser and a celebration of the Ealing Beaver Project, which marked London’s first urban beaver reintroduction. Organised by the conservation group Citizen Zoo, the event aims to generate vital funds to support the expansion of beaver reintroduction programmes across other parts of the capital.
As reported by Ian Miller of Ealing.news, the event is scheduled for 19 September 2026. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between environmental activism and community celebration, highlighting the successful work of a partnership that includes Citizen Zoo, the Ealing Wildlife Group, Friends of Horsenden Hill, and Ealing Council, all operating with support from the Mayor of London.
Who is behind the organisation of Big Gay Beaver Day?
The initiative is led by the conservation group Citizen Zoo. Speaking on the significance of the event, Lucas Ruzo, co-founder and chief executive of Citizen Zoo, expressed his personal and professional connection to the cause.
As documented by Ian Miller in his report for Ealing.news, Lucas Ruzo stated: “Big Gay Beaver Day is very special to me as a gay man. It’s been a privilege to work on such a pioneering project for London, and it fills me with pride to be able to share it with the queer community for an evening celebrating nature, community and rewilding.”
What can attendees expect from the event programme?
The festivities are structured to offer an immersive experience that transitions from nature education to evening entertainment. According to the reporting by Ian Miller for Ealing.news, the day begins with guided tours of the beaver enclosure at Paradise Fields. These tours offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the Ealing Beaver Project and potentially catch a glimpse of the resident beavers in their naturalised habitat.
Following the enclosure tours, the event shifts to Horsenden Farm for a diverse range of entertainment. The lineup includes drag performances by artists Brent Would and That Girl. The musical portion of the event will feature DJ sets from Lucy and Ali of the group “1-800 Dyke Rescue”. Additionally, the evening will host an arm-wrestling competition, which is to be presided over by “Dyke U-Haul”.
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What are the logistics and requirements for attending?
Given the nature of the event and the venue capacity, organisers have placed specific restrictions on attendance. The event is strictly for those aged 18 and over, ensuring an adult-focused environment for the celebrations.
As noted by Ian Miller of Ealing.news, the event has a strictly capped maximum capacity of 180 people. Those interested in attending the September celebration are advised that tickets are available for purchase exclusively through the online platform Eventbrite.
What is the significance of the Ealing Beaver Project?
The Ealing Beaver Project represents a milestone for urban conservation in the United Kingdom. By successfully reintroducing beavers into an urban environment at Paradise Fields, the project has provided a blueprint for how cities can integrate wildlife management with local community engagement.
The partnership behind the project—comprising the Ealing Wildlife Group, Friends of Horsenden Hill, Ealing Council, and the Mayor of London—has consistently emphasised the role of community support in the project’s success. The Big Gay Beaver Day acts as a physical manifestation of this community support, linking the environmental success of the rewilding efforts with the cultural vibrancy of the local queer community.
The success of the project is often highlighted by photographic documentation, such as images of baby beavers born in Ealing, which demonstrate that the habitat provided is not only sustainable but conducive to the breeding and long-term health of the species. Through events like the Big Gay Beaver Day, the organisers hope to ensure that the public remains engaged with the ongoing challenges and triumphs of urban rewilding, ultimately securing the resources necessary for future expansion across London.
