Adelaide’s vibrant cultural scene hit a high note last weekend with the overwhelming success of the Marys in the Park music festival.
The much-anticipated event drew in crowds by the thousands, featuring a diverse line-up that showcased local, national, and international talents including pop icon Crystal Waters, Australian music legend Joanne, along with Natlie Bassingthwaite, Ricky Lee, Zoe Badwi and more .
Saturday’s extravaganza transformed the picturesque greenery of Adelaide’s Rundle Park/Kadlitpina into a hub of musical euphoria, community, and celebration.
Marys in the Park offered a platform for emerging artists to shine alongside established acts, further cementing Adelaide’s reputation as a nurturing ground for talent. The event also spotlighted Adelaide’s culinary and artistic ventures, with food stalls and bars peppered throughout the park.
“This is undoubtedly Australia’s most ‘FABULOUS’ festival, it’s a celebration and a statement that Adelaide is ready to claim its place on the global stage as a destination for queer culture,” said Event Director and Founder Stephen Craddock.
“I truly believe we have some of the best drag talent in the world in Adelaide, my goal is to make Marys in the Park alongside Mary’s Poppin a vehicle that communicates this to the rest of the world.”
Attendees to Marys in the Park arrived clad with glitter and ready to party, wearing outfits that celebrated pride and pop in true festival form. Karen From Finance, Hannah Conda and Spanky Jackzon along with local icons Kane Enable and Alison Express were just a few of the drag queens bringing the camp and colour to the day both on stage and roving throughout the park.
“A triumph. One of the greatest pop festival line-ups I’ve ever seen – all pulled together seamlessly. I was just stoked that I got to be a small part of it. And I stand by what I said on stage, Adelaide is truly lucky to have some of the best queens, not just in Australia but the entire world. Already excited for next year,” said Event host Joel Creasey.
“What a bloody brilliant day Marys in the Park was for the whole community of Adelaide. I absolutely adore coming to South Australia and yesterday was just another reason to love it even more,” said Spankie Jackson (winner of drag race) and Marys in the Park performer.
“The vibe was electric, the performances spectacular and the event was so professional there really are not enough words! The Marys in the Park team should pat themselves on the back… this is what lgbtiq+ dreams are made of and this is what community celebration is all about!”
This first year’s success is a testament to Adelaide’s resilience and passion for the arts and a community committed to supporting queer spaces and the LGBTQIA plus community.
Local businesses also benefited from the commercial ripple effect of thousands of people pouring into the city to attend Marys in the Park offering an economic uplift to hospitality venues, hotels and local retailers.
“Adelaide brought it on Saturday! The people, the weather, the music, everything was great! Marys in the Park went off and I was so honoured to be invited to perform,” said Pop legend and Marys in the Park performer Natalie Bassingthwaite.
With the massive success of Marys in the Park, Adelaide can add another great event to its annual calendar as organisers of the event already look towards 2024. For more information, visit: www.marysinthepark.com for details.
Image: Zoe Badwi performs at Marys in the Park – photo by Samuel Graves