June is traditionally Pride month in many parts of the world. For the people of the Blue Mountains they show their LGBTQI+ Pride with so many wonderful events over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend: 9 – 12 June 2017. Read on for all the details and why you shouldn’t miss a thing this weekend in the Pink Mountains!
bentART
Australia’s largest LGBTQI visual arts exhibition, bentART showcases more than 50 artists from across Australia. It kicks off on Friday night (9 June) at 6:30pm with a fabulous opening! Prizes will be announced, art works will be for sale and you’ll meet artists, friends, strangers and your community. On Saturday (10 June) at 3.00pm a special Artist’s Talk will take place. Meet two fabulous artists and find out more about them and their art practice.
bentART will be on display 9 – 12 June at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts, Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls. For more information, visit: www.bentart.com.au for details.
Bush Lemons Open Walk
Bush Lemons are hosting their annual GLBTQ walk. Meet at 9.30am on Saturday 11 June in the Wentworth Falls School of Arts carpark, they will wander down Charles Darwin Walk to the top of Wentworth Falls, then take the Shortcut Track to the Conservation Hut where we join the Nature Track loop, and then return to the start. This is a beautiful area with waterfalls, pools, creeks and sublime views out into the Jamison Valley!
The distance is around 10km and is graded Easy-Medium. It includes some stairs, short ascents/descents, possible muddy sections, great views and wonderful company! Bring sturdy shoes/boots, water, snacks, camera, raincoat etc. Lunch afterwards in the Wentworth Falls Village. for more information, visit: www.bushlemons.com for details. Bookings essential!
36th Annual Queen’s Birthday Weekend Disco
Shake your groove thang on the dance floor with this fabulous disco at the Blackheath Community Hall on Saturday 10 June. There aren’t too many venues that have a disco on Queens Birthday Long Weekend with a picture of Her Royal Highness on the wall! Presented by the Three Sisters Social Group, entertainment includes Divas Las Vegas – Gayna Tension and Madani Trani
Blackheath Community Hall, Corner Gardiner Crescent and Great Western Highway, Blackheath. Doors open 7:15pm until 12:45am. Admission: $25 (includes 3 raffle tickets). No reservations – so be early for a good seat. BYO refreshments – snack bar and soft drinks available. For more information, visit: www.threesisterssocial.
36th Annual Costume Ball
Another Pink Mountains institution, the Three Sisters Social Group present the 36th Annual Costume Ball with a Fabulous Fifties theme. Held at the Fairmont Resort, Leura on Sunday 11 June – dance to the West Bros Band and Sound Affair Disco, and be entertained by Divas Las Vegas – Gayna Tension and Madani Trani. Prizes awarded for Best Male in theme, Best Female in theme, Best Couple in Theme, Best Group in Theme, Best Table in theme, and Belle of the Ball.
Fairmont Resort, 1 Sublime Point Road, Leura. Doors open 6:45pm until midnight. Tickets: $150 includes welcome drink and three course meal and beverage package until 10:15 then cash bar to 11:30pm. Haven’t booked yet? Call 8230 0889 immediately in case they can squeeze you in! For more information, visit: www.threesisterssocial.
The Glitter Gala
Presented by Pink Mountains Youth, The Glitter Gala on Sunday 11 June is an alcohol and drug free event providing a safe space, and a great opportunity for young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, same-sex attracted, non-heterosexual and questioning people to meet, socialise and create their own networks. The dance will be run by volunteers from the community.
Katoomba Leura Community Centre, 83 Katoomba Street, Katoomba. Doors open 7.00pm until 10.00pm. Entry: $10.00. Soft drink and snacks will be available. For more information, visit: www.pinkmountains.com.au for details.
The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music
End the weekend with LGBTI movie group Alphabet Soup Cinema for a special Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend screening of the much-loved classic The Sound of Music on Monday 12 June – 2.00pm. Sing along with us at this matinee screening of one of the greatest movie musicals of all time. All profits to the Maurice Brady Memorial Fund. Everyone welcome!
Mount Vic Flicks, 2a Harley Ave, Mount Victoria. Tickets: $15 / $10. For more information, visit: www.mountvicflicks.com.au for details.
Image: Costume Ball – courtesy of the Three Sisters Social Group