Coastal Twist Festival offers five events on Peninsula
The Coastal Twist Arts and Culture Festival will be held with five events on the Peninsula and another six in Gosford from Tuesday, October 1, to Sunday, October 6.
"Since its inaugural event in 2019, Coastal Twist has grown into one of Australia's most unique Pride festivals, celebrated for its bold embrace of diversity, creativity, and community spirit," said creative director Ms Glitta Supernova.
"This year's theme, Rise and Shine, symbolizes resilience, renewal, and transformation, represented by the powerful image of the phoenix," she said.
"The festival unites the community and its allies in a vibrant celebration of queer expression, collective growth, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming Central Coast.
"Over six days and nights, the festival will offer a rich line-up of free and ticketed events, featuring live music, film, cabaret, art exhibitions, and dance parties-all contributing to the local economy and cultural landscape."
Two free events will be held on the Peninsula on Wednesday, October 2.
Pride Poetry will be held from 6pm to 9pm at Link and Pin Cafe in Woy Woy.
Drag Bingo will be held from 7pm to 9pm at Ettalong Diggers.
Love Club Cabaret will be held from 8pm to 11pm on Friday, October 4, at the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus at 5 Broken Bay Rd, Ettalong, with tickets costing $35 each.
Coastie Carnie Fair Day will be a free event held from 10am to 5pm at the Recreation Precinct at Umina Beach on Sunday, October 6.
In the evening, Queerscreen Short Shorts will be shown from 5:30pm to 10pm at Umina Surf Life Saving Club, with tickets costing $20 each.
Ms Supernova said a key highlight of the festival was the return of The Love Club Cabaret, hosted by Fez Faanana, which "will be an unforgettable celebration of connection, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression".
"The festival's crown jewel is the Coastie Carnie Fair Day on the Sunday, promising an unforgettable experience for the whole family," she said.
"This year's Fair Day will feature ARIA Award-winning neo-soul artist Kaiit, whose smooth vocals have earned her comparisons to Lauryn Hill, with over 30 million streams and 90,000 followers on Spotify.
"Other acts include soulful pop star and viral sensation Greg Gould, pop-dance artist Vetta Borne, and local legend Shauna Jensen, alongside dazzling performances by drag and circus stars like RuPaul's Drag Race top 4 Molly Poppinz and all-male burlesque troupe Briefs superstar Captain Kidd.
"For families, Fair Day offers a dedicated activity area, including a Circus Play Space by Roundabout Circus, interactive Sensory Play with Demi, and the eco-inspired Mini Beast Disco with Betty Grumble and Dandrogyny, blending performance and workshops to celebrate nature and community.
"Families can also enjoy Aboriginal Storytime and Drag Storytime, making Fair Day a vibrant, inclusive celebration for all ages."
Ms Supernova said: "The Coastal Twist Festival is more than just a celebration.
"It's a movement toward a more inclusive Central Coast where everyone is welcome."
More information is available online at https://coastaltwist.org.au/whats-on/
SOURCE:
Media release, 15 Sep 2024
Glitta Supernova, Coastal Twist Festival