Prepare for a vibrant explosion of colour and creativity as the NSW Central Coast comes alive with its fourth annual Coastal Twist Festival – running from Tuesday 1 October to the crowning jewel Coastie Carnie Fair Day on Sunday 6 October 2024.
Already entrenched as a unique quirky, kitsch Australiana festival blossoming across 6 days with 11 events, this weeklong extravaganza promises an unforgettable celebration of LGBTQIA+ talent and artistry while shining a spotlight on the region and amplifying diversity as the norm.
Festival Creative Director Glitta Supernova promises “Magic, Music and Mayhem” showcasing top-tier performers and as always ground-breaking entertainment, celebrating both local and national LGBTQIA+ talent. This festival is a vibrant celebration of heart and art.
2024 festival headliners include international cabaret royalty Fez Faanana (Shivanah) and Mark “Captain Kidd” Winmill from Briefs International, renowned for their genre-defying performances. Also gracing the stage are Betty Grumble and Demon Derriere, celebrated for their boundary-pushing acts and body-positive, stereotype-busting messages.
Music lovers will be thrilled with headliner KAIIT – the ARIA Award-winning neo-soul and hip-hop sensation, plus pop artists Vetta Borne and Greg Gould – runner-up on Australia’s Got Talent, will also light up the stage with his powerful vocals.
The drag scene will shine with top 4 on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Molly Poppinz and Vybe, Audley Enough, and Dandrogyny, each bringing their unique flair to the festival.
Festival Director Glitta Supernova explains that this year’s Coastal Twist Festival theme, Rise & Shine, embodies the community’s spirit of resilience and renewal, symbolized by the phoenix. “This theme celebrates our transformative power and unity through vibrant queer expression and collective growth,” said Glitta Supernova.
“We invite our Australian queer communities and allies to join us in celebrating side by side, offering not only a fantastic seaside escape but also a rich array of contemporary LGBTQIA+ talent.”
“Experience the perfect ‘Spring Gaycation’ with us – a showcase of exceptional talent that rivals any global city, but with a soft touch & unique regional charm smack bang between Sydney (70mins) and Newcastle (75mins),” said Glitta Supernova.
The festival will offer an array of free and ticketed events across various Central Coast venues, including live cabaret, dance parties, youth events, Film night, senior activities, and art exhibitions. The crown jewel of the festival is the Coastie Carnie Fair Day – a massive free, family friendly, outdoor celebration featuring headliners, all-day entertainment, food, drinks, youth activities and community spirit.
Everybody is welcome to join us to celebrate the brilliance and creativity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Grab your bio-glitter, put on your dancing shoes, and join us on the Central Coast and be part of the magic. Let’s paint the town with rainbows and help make the Central Coast a happier, healthier and more welcoming community for everyone.
The Coastal Twist Festival runs 1 – 6 October 2024. For more information and full program, visit: www.coastaltwist.org.au for details.
Image: Coastie Carnie Fair Day – photo by Lisa Haymes Photography