Dancing to diversity’s beat at Queer Ball Byron Bay

THE NORTHERN Rivers LGBTQIA+ community came together at the annual Queer Ball Byron Bay on Saturday night.

More than 500 people — including performers, volunteers and partygoers — filled the Playground Byron Bay venue, transforming it into a colourful haven of music, dance and expression.

A highlight of the evening was the dazzling performance by drag queen Miss Martoya Jackson and her crew of dancers. The dance floor also came alive with sets from DJs Dameeeela, SHE J from Tijuana Cartel, Nahal and Asha Franco.

“Our events always blend a crowd of all ages,” co-organiser Ella Noah Bancroft said.

“The crowd really brings the energy, dancing all night, always friendly, open, accepting and respectful.”

Bancroft co-founded the event in 2021 alongside Jen Kyna and Brendan Leith, aiming to create a safe, inclusive space in Byron Bay that celebrates freedom of expression, diversity and culture.

“We wanted to elevate queer artists and voices, so all our line up are members of the queer community,” she said.

“The Northern Rivers has a long history of sexual and gender diversity, with Lismore being one of the most populated LGBTQIA+ rural towns in Australia and home to the Tropical Fruits crew, who have been holding events and offering community support since 1988.

“We wanted to bring some of that colour with our own energy to the Bay, which currently has no other recurring events that are LGBTQIA+ focused.”

The Queer Ball takes place in a different venue each year, and this time, Playground Byron Bay proved to be a perfect fit.

“Playground was an amazing venue, bringing a playful atmosphere with its unique wonderland-like essence,” Bancroft said.

“It’s an indoor/outdoor venue that’s really interactive with different lounging areas, huge dancing spaces, podiums and colourful decorations.

“After such a hugely successful and incredibly fun event, we can safely say we will be back for Queer Ball Byron Bay 2026.”