Drag’d Out Beechworth ramps up for dazzling event

THIS year’s Drag’d Out Beechworth Party in Pride festival is shaping up to be another gloss, glam and dazzle event with a fresh inclusive theme to draw huge crowds. With a great line of performers, including those who trip the global stage, the festival's creative director Andrew Madden said world class production is inclusive, safe, friendly and fun, and for all ages. The queer, inclusive three-day festival of the arts celebrates everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies while with its diversity brings people together from all walks of life. Mr Madden said the festival’s new look this year is inspired by the inclusive flag colour palette with some new performers coming to town being some of biggest known headliners. “We've reinvented the festival again as we do every year and have some of the biggest headline acts we have ever had,” he said. Among them includes "Fountain Lakes in Lockdown" – an immersive dining experience held at the Memorial Hall with vibrant performances hosted by performer Art Simone and ‘Kath and Kim Fountain Lakes in Lockdown' crew. “DJ Kitty Glitter, an international superstar on the DJ circuit will perform having recently returned from Europe,” Mr Madden said. “The festival aims to lift spirits and provide a sense of norm for the queer community helping those who may feel anxious or excluded." Mr Madden said the festival will again include a rainbow ball for young people which was based on last year’s success rated by participants safe, inclusive, and fun. “There are 62 volunteers across the event with eight committee members working tirelessly year-round to make it all work,” he said While some events are free a new payment feature with after pay has been added to the website for ticketed events such as the headline ‘Fountain Lakes in Lockdown’ event. As not-for-profit event with funds raised to cover the running costs, Mr Madden an annual donation is made to volunteer-led charity LINE in Wangaratta to support their work. The event also received up to $10,000 of State Government funding as part of its Regional Activation Program of Victoria’s Pride throughout November. With something for everyone, the family friendly festival are story time, chalk drawing and a Friday night disco with free admission young people under 16 years old. “Whether you're queer or not, just be whoever you want to be, come along and have fun and put a smile on your face,” Mr Madden said. Andrew said the organising team looked forward to ongoing community support while extra sponsorship is always welcome. The festival took out the well-being category at last year’s Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s (KABV) Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards with presentations held in Melbourne. For more information about the festival being held from November 22 to 24, to check out the fabulous program and book tickets visit www.dragdoutbeechworth.com.au.

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