Best of the Fest!

AHEAD of this year’s Bendigo Pride Festival we sat down with director John Richards and took a look at what’s on offer.

Here is his list of top five not-to-be-missed events.

Moist and Soggy

“Our opening night event is a multi-award-winning physical theatre show Moist, described as four absolute himbo thirst-traps getting soaking wet as they navigate epic circus feats and non-stop clowning,” said Mr Richards.

“This racy and hilarious spectacle is sopping wet as it takes you deep into a disco-fuelled dystopia,” says the online description.

“If that sounds a bit too much, on Saturday morning they’ll be performing their all-ages version of the show, called Soggy.”

Pride in the Park

“Pride in the Park is our big, joyous outdoor event, where we fill Rosalind Park with music, stalls, performers and the annual Thorne Harbour Dog Show; and it’s free,” said Mr Richards.

“Open to all, whack on your shiny and rainbows and bring a picnic.

“You can register your dog via the sign-up page on our website, for the chance to win coveted titles like most camp, most butch and best dressed owner and pooch.”

Brendan Maclean – Alone at Last

“This is my absolute pick for the festival,” Mr Richards said.

“Brendan Maclean is an acclaimed musician and actor from Sydney and this show combines his own songs with stories from his career.

“Baz Luhrmann called him a modern-day Mick Jagger and it’s the last time he’ll be performing this show for the foreseeable future.”

Serving In Silence exhibition

“We’re so excited to have this in the Bendigo Military Museum, “ Mr Richards said.

“This exhibition explores the life stories of service personnel to show how LGBTQIA+ defence members have navigated their lives in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force over the decades, and the difficult journey to today.”

Glamaganza Ball

“For the fourth year in a row, we’re holding our inaugural Glamaganza Ball and it’s finally going to happen this time,” Mr Richards said.

“The first one in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID, along with everything else in the festival.

“In 2021 the COVID capacity limits made it untenable, and in 2022 the Footloose-inspired no dancing rule was still in place; but finally, the time has come.

“Dance, drinks, cabaret acts throughout the night, dress code is up up up!”