Brisbane Pride has revealed the entertainment for the 65th annual Queens Ball, with acclaimed performers Emily Williams and Greg Gould set to headline the legendary LGBTQIA+ event.
Joining the entertainment line-up will be crowd favourite DJ Richie LeStrange, who will bring their signature energy to the dancefloor as Brisbane City Hall transforms into a spectacular celebration of community, pride and performance on Saturday 20 June 2026.
This year’s Ball will also feature a special tribute to Queens Ball founder, the late great Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke (AKA Laurie Dean), recognising Sybil’s extraordinary contribution to Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ communities and her role in establishing what is believed to be the longest continuously running LGBTQIA+ event in the world.
Hosted by Brisbane drag icon Chocolate Boxx and Paul Wheeler, the 65th Queens Ball will honour the contribution of LGBTQIA+ community members and organisation with the annual Queens Ball Awards.
Brisbane Pride President James McCarthy said this year’s entertainment line-up reflected the significance of the historic 65th Ball.
“The Queens Ball has always been about bringing our communities together through celebration, visibility and pride, and this year’s headliners Emily Williams and Greg Gould, along with DJ Richie LeStrange, will help make the 65th Ball one of the most memorable yet,” said Mr McCarthy.
“This year’s tribute to Queens Ball founder Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke will provide an important moment of reflection during this year’s Ball.”
“Queens Ball is not only a celebration of our communities today, but also an opportunity to honour people like Dame Sybil, who helped build the spaces, traditions and opportunities we now enjoy.”
“Dame Sybil’s vision created an enduring legacy that has touched generations of LGBTQIA+ Queenslanders, and we are proud to celebrate her contribution as part of this historic 65th event.”
“We know this year’s Ball is shaping up to be something very special, and we encourage people to book tickets now to avoid missing out on one of our community’s signature events,” said Mr McCarthy.
Held in the grand surrounds of Brisbane City Hall, the 2026 Queens Ball will once again be AUSLAN interpreted, and will showcase the diversity, creativity and strength of Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ communities under this year’s theme, United Colours of Pride.
With strong demand already building for this cornerstone event on Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ calendar, Brisbane Pride is urging community members to secure tickets now via www.brisbanepride.org.au before remaining allocations are exhausted.
Images: Emily Williams – courtesy of www.emilywilliams.com.au | Greg Gould – courtesy of www.greggould.com.au