Now in its eighth year, the Cairns Tropical Pride Festival is an annual event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community of Cairns and Far North Queensland to celebrate the diversity of the region and connect to the wider community.
With events programmed over nine days, organisers have been working hard to ensure there is something for everyone in North Queensland’s tropical wonderland. We take a look at some of the events on offer:
SPLASH Tropical Pool Party! – Saturday 23 August
Dance poolside at the Rydges Plaza Lilo Bar with special guest DJ Adam Love, as well as local favourites DJ Ess and Benny-Bang. Watch a sexy swimwear fashion parade, enjoy the glorious Dolly Diamond and prepare for some spectacular surprises.
Seniors’ Luncheon – Thursday 28 August
Turtle Cove plays host to this special luncheon as part of Senior’s Week. The luncheon is free to older LGBTI community members and their carers, and transport from Cairns and surrounds will be available.
Cairns Festival Parade and Pride Float After Party – Saturday 30 August
Cairns Tropical Pride has a proud tradition of entering in the Cairns Festival Parade and 2014 will be no different. Embracing the theme – The Return of Spring, there will be plenty of colour and movement as Cairns Tropical Pride flies the rainbow flag. After the Parade, head to Lilo Bar to help celebrate the fabulous Pride float with Benny-Bang playing the tunes for you to party the night away!
Cairns Tropical Pride Fair Day – Sunday 31 August
The signature event of the festival, Fair Day at the Tanks Arts Centre features market stalls, a fabulous schedule of entertainment suitable for all ages, and the popular highlight, the dog show! All are welcome, especially kids and their adults!
There is also the post-SPLASH beach party at Turtle Cove, the Sistagals will Show ‘n Tell, and Tina Arena takes over the Cairns Convention Centre in her highly acclaimed Reset Tour. Get active in the Pride Ride down the Esplanade, enjoy the Queensland premiere screening of Submerge at COCA, and the Green Ant Cantina hosts a night of wine, women and song in Proud Women.
The 2014 Cairns Tropical Pride Festival runs 23 – 31 August 2014. For more information and full program, visit: www.cairnstropicalpride.com.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Cairns Tropical Pride