Feast Festival reveals 2020 program

Feast-Festival-2020-ProgramWill they or won’t they happen? That’s been the hot topic when it comes to cultural events in Adelaide and at long last, hooray for the arts and LGBTIQ+ communities as they rejoice, as Feast Festival must (and very much needs to) go on for its 24th season.

The 2020 program features a staggering line-up of over 100 events during the newly coined and treasured “PRIDEVEMBER” running from 7 – 29 November across various Adelaide venues.

South Australia’s successful response means Feast can offer a large and diverse range of events that will inspire audiences to come out and discover what our local LGBTIQ+ artists and change-makers have been up to during the pandemic.

Feast CEO and General Manager Helen Sheldon is proud of this year’s program with artists and event producers adapting creatively to these COVID times. “First it’s a relief we are able to present Feast this year!” she said.

“Thanks to funding from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet Arts SA we were able to offer free registrations to artists and event organisers to participate. Similarly Feast venues offered free venue hire to offset costs involved for those participating,” said Ms Sheldon

The sheer size of the program reflects the artists’ enthusiasm and necessity to return to work, entertain and shed light on a community that still has many important stories to tell! The program includes more events than the last 5 years, so there is plenty to see and do.

As you would expect, South Australian LGBTIQ+ artists will be front and centre of this year’s program, audiences both in Adelaide and anywhere in the world can get involved by heading out to a venue or by joining a range of online events.

“We have collaborated with other South Australian arts and community organisations which has also enabled more people to participate which is fantastic. Honestly, so many people have just assumed Feast wouldn’t happen so to see the LGBTIQ+ and ally communities rally together for the festival, and with a pandemic, we have collectively created one of our biggest programs yet!” said Ms Sheldon.

This year’s celebratory opening will be a little different starting with Quiz by Twilight on Saturday 7 November – delivering all the glitz and glamour you would expect of a Queer Festival.

South Australia’s Queen of comedy, Lori Bell will host the event with special (virtual) appearances from social media sensation Christian Hull, and Real Housewives of Melbourne star Gamble Breaux and a host of other special guest presenters. This night of nights features hilarious quiz questions followed by cabaret style entertainment headed up by Feast Ambassador Indy Stanton.

Feast celebrates all that is Queer Culture presenting Australian premieres, comedy, live performance, film, literary events, community happenings including the world premiere of How to Kill Your Hampster at Rumpus Theatre (10 – 22 November); Brown Cissy Boy at The Odeon (13 & 14 November); and Moist at Nexus Arts (17 – 21 November).

Emma Smart takes a darkly comic deep dive into the strange and surreal world of transphobia in Transphobia and other Irrational Fears at Diverse-City (Monday 16 November). Join award winner and Feast favourite Lori Bell for one night only as she serves up her unique style of comedy and personal story in Pregnancy and Purgatory at Diverse-City (Friday 27 November); while

Emma Rowe is a loud (but good) singer/songwriter from Darwin. She has supported the likes of Regurgitator, Amanda Palmer, and Christine Anu. The Vains are a dynamic, powerhouse, female-driven rock band out of Adelaide. Think gritty vocals, screaming guitar riffs and pulsating drums. The Prophets of Impending Doom are 10% alternative, 40% ska-punk, 50% cowbell, and 100% good times – at Sparkke at the Whitmore on Saturday 14 November.

In Australia’s biggest digital theatre project during COVID-19, ActNow Theatre and State Theatre Company South Australia came together to create DECAMERON 2.0. Drawing from 100 stories created over 10 weeks, this event will showcase a selection of these stories created by some of South Australia’s queer writers, actors and directors.

Progress Unfurled is an exhibition of interpretations and variations of the pride flag which allow the viewer to reflect on their own feelings towards the original, its meaning and who it represents; and after several years in storage, the the original South Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt is being put on display for everyone to see the history of HIV/AIDS in South Australia at the Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground.

Always fun, factual and informative! Join Queen of the Walk, Dr Gertrude Glossip for the 24th season of the Rainbow History Walk from the Torrens to Tarndanyangga; or discover the stories of love, desire and identity at the South Australian Museum as seen through the perspectives of well-known LGBTIQA+ South Australians, the Museum’s own vibrant LGBTIQA+ staff and young South Australians exploring gender and sexual identities.

The much-loved Picnic in the Park at Pinky Flat / Tarntanya Wama closes the festival on Sunday 29 November. Explore community information and artisan market stalls, enjoy a variety of cuisines from local food vendors, whet your whistle with South Australian made and owned beverages.

Attractions include a Queer Youth Zone, Sports Precinct, DIY Queer Craft plus the famous Dog Show, Drag Fashion Parade, Tug of Peace presented by the Metropolitan Fire Service, ECH Chill Out Zone and live music to picnic by.


The 2020 Feast Festival runs 7 – 29 November. For more information and full program, visit: www.feast.org.au for details.

Image: Feast Festival 2020 highlights (supplied)