The sun was shining down, over Fortitude Valley as I arrived at the 15th annual Big Gay Day at The Wickham Hotel (15 March), and I would have to say that as far as street parties go, this is one of my all-time Brisbane favourites.
On arrival I was served a platter of rainbows, feathers, sequins, wigs, wings, glitter, a few gorgeous sailors, a stunning queen and a whole lot of bare skin. The street was filled with smiling, happy faces and as I walked through the gates I was met with a shower of kisses and hugs and “Happy Gay Day” greetings. Feeling pretty happy now, thanks guys.
Image © Sarah PonturoAs I danced my way through the glittering street, I was starting to feel pretty excited about the glowing music line-up that lay ahead. This year, the Big Gay Day featured the likes of Paul Mac, Chocolate Strings and Sneaky Sound System to name a few. Dancing shoes? Check.
Click here for photos from the event.
The first highlight of my day was the incredible sounds of Paul Mac with special guests Sarah McLeod, Kora Pura and Shaun J Wright. As soon as the first beat began, the energy lifted and the street started to sparkle. As I looked around I could see the party had well and truly begun with punters pulling out their best moves, ladies on stilts, and a lot of people starting to take off a lot of clothing. ‘Just The Thing’ had the crowd in a jumping frenzy and it was clear that this was the point of no return. If you didn’t bring your dancing shoes, now was probably the time to go home.
Image © Sarah PonturoNext up was a hilariously fabulous and slightly potty-mouthed performance by the amazing diva, Pam Ann, before Bimbo Jones took us through the sunset and played some seriously gorgeous, happy-vibe tracks to bring us into the night. As I ventured through the street and came across the delightful sounds of one of my favourite local bands, Chocolate Strings, performing a killer foot-stomping, booty-shaking set as usual.
Image © Sarah PonturoThe sun had disappeared, and it seemed there wasn’t any part of the street or The Wickham that wasn’t covered in a sweaty, dancing body. After an epic set by Hungarian DJ duo Crazibiza, where I felt I was back Ibiza as the DJs punched out old-school disco anthems and the happy crowd danced right on back, it was now the moment I had been waiting for. Enter stage, Miss Connie Mitchell.
The gorgeous diva, and stunning front woman of Sneaky Sound System, appeared on stage wearing a spectacular, short pink wig and long, sparkling golden jacket which she later strips to reveal a super-hot flamboyant bodysuit, and as they begin their spectacular set, her stage presence could quite possibly burn a hole right through the dancefloor. The stage was on fire.
The highlight of the set was the performance of party favourites ‘UFO’ and 'Pictures'; everyone singing along to their beloved anthems. Mid set, SSS rocked out with an epic version of ‘Sweet Dreams’ and you could almost feel an explosion from the crowd like a firework.
The show closes and with the entire crowd screaming for more, they wrapped up the night with an encore performance of Daft Punk’s ‘Around The World’. By this stage my shoes were literally about to fall apart. Overall, this was one of the best, street parties I have been to and such a perfect way to wrap up summer!
So many amazing costumes, good-party vibes and a whole lotta love in the air. I don’t think I’ll ever completely get the glitter out of my hair, shoes are now in the bin and it might take a few days for my legs to recover from the dancing, but I do know that I have made some bloody-fabulous new friends.
And as far as a Sunday session goes, this one takes it home! Happy Gay Day ;)
Click here for photos from the event.
