RAINBOW in the Outback, a locally-focused festival celebrating queer culture, is in its final stages of planning, according to organiser Brendan Barlow.
“We’re really in the thick of it, it’s going to be huge,” Mr Barlow said.
The inaugural festival will be held on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13, with side events to be held concurrently at venues throughout town.
Most of the event will be held at The Old Brewery on Buck Street, with Friday’s festivities kicking off at 4pm.
“Friday is going to kick off with live entertainment, markets, then some drag performances and short films, more performances and a DJ set in the Tipsy Camel bar,” Mr Barlow said.
Local makers will be selling their wares in the beer garden outside the pub.
“It’s a mixture of festival gear, jewellery, adult toys and more,” he said.
“And some artwork from artists Krystle Evans and Strawberry Milk. It’s an 18-plus space, so there’ll be some unusual things you wouldn’t normally see at markets.”
Tapas-style food will be available, and the outdoor bar will be open for the occasion.
On Saturday, performances will continue from 6pm for the Rainbow Fantasy party.
The night will begin with cabaret-style performances before the main party begins at 7.30pm.
Attendees are encouraged to don their best rainbow get-ups to celebrate.
“We’ll have drag shows every hour, featuring local legends and dazzling interstate performers,” Mr Barlow said.
Outside of the two main events there’ll be a drag tour hosted by drag performer Shelita Buffet on Thursday morning, and on Thursday evening Mary’s Bar will be hosting a dangles and daquiri party.
Down the road at The Kitchen, drag performer Amanda Secretly will host drag bingo, and on Saturday she’ll be hosting a Jane Fonda style workout.
Tickets for the side events can be purchased directly from the venues, while the Friday and Saturday night event’s tickets can be found at https://www.rainbowintheoutback.com/
Mr Barlow said the local focus of the event was an important part of the festival.
“I’ve been to other Pride festivals in other spaces and it’s really great that when it’s sort of brought around to different venues,” he said.
“It creates an inclusive environment which is a great vibe for the whole community, not just the queer community.”
Ticket sales to the event are almost sold out, so Mr Barlow recommended anyone interested in attending get in quick to avoid missing out.
