For some, she was a hero. For others, quite the opposite. On 13 October, the prime minister who looms large over British politics would have turned 100 – and a gathering in Grantham celebrated her days in power.
The bronze statue of Margaret Thatcher by sculptor Douglas Jennings has a rating of 2.8 out of five on Google Maps. Reviewers focus on her legacy rather than craftsmanship. One writes: 'One of the most important PMs this country ever had.' Another says: 'It's a public toilet but there's nowhere to wash your hands.'
The statue was originally intended for Parliament but rejected by Westminster council due to vandalism fears. Instead, it was offered to Grantham, her birthplace. Within hours of installation, someone threw an egg at it; later it was defaced with red paint.
At the festival, actor Matt Tedford performs as Thatcher in a drag show called 'Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho'. The show depicts her stumbling into a gay bar and reinventing herself as a disco diva. Tedford has played the role for 12 years, longer than she was prime minister.
Thatcher Fest includes talks, walks, music nights, and memorabilia exhibitions. It attracted both progressive crowds and true-blue diehards. Ashley Baxter, leader of South Kesteven council, said: 'Having Queen of Soho upset the Conservatives. Having a Thatcher Fest at all upset the left. We're upsetting all the right people.'
