A much-loved annual event on Melbourne’s LGBTI calendar, the Northside Bizarre is back at The Laird in Abbotsford on Saturday 21 October 2017, bringing the LGBTI community together in a fun-filled afternoon, while raising much needed funds for charity.
The Northside Bizarre was formed in 2011 in a partnership between The Laird, Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) and JOY 94.9 with the aim of raising funds for the David Williams Fund (VAC) and JOY 94.9. The event has expanded over the years to take over the neighbouring Collingwood Masonic Hall and the section of Henry Street that runs between the two iconic venues.
See the historic Collingwood Masonic Hall transformed into an Auction House. Hosted by Tex McKenzie, your favourite JOY presenters and special guests, the auction is your chance to get some amazing deals on donated items including high-end leather gear, restaurant experiences, gift vouchers, holiday accommodation, specialty services, and artwork – including prints from the RedHot exhibition, courtesy of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.
There’s a street party vibe as Henry Street hosts the Northside Bizarre Market Place. This is a unique opportunity for designers, retailers, hobbyists, and small businesses, to sell their wares and promote their services while also supporting our LGBTI community in the process.
Have you got one too many leather pairs of leather pants or simply can’t fit in that harness anymore? Sort through your wardrobe and cupboards for any quality used items to donate to Leather & Treasure: leather and fetish gear; clothing; home wares; books; DVD’s; bric-a-brac – if it’s good enough to sell, it deserves to live another life!
Last year, the Down An’ Dirty crew raided the back bar of The Laird with the aim of providing a gender inclusive, kinky performance space, catering for both the curious and adventurous. In 2017, The Laird Stage will feature some of Melbourne’s kookiest and kinkiest performers.
The 2017 Northside Bizarre offers the LGBTI community the opportunity to come together, outside of the typically summer festival season, in a fun environment, whilst raising funds for community organisations.
Northside Bizarre 2017
The Laird, Corner Gipps and Henry Streets, Abbotsford
Date: Saturday 21 October 2017 (from 12.00pm)
Free entry – donation preferred
For more information, visit: www.northsidebizarre.com for details.
Note: Northside Bizarre is an 18+ event. ID wristbands are required as part of the liquor license extension. ID wristbands are free and can be obtained next to the JOY 94.9 marquee.