In partnership with local aboriginal groups, the Rainbow on the Plains are pleased to announce that for this year’s festival, Gari (a giant rainbow serpent) will be making her way to Hay to help the Dykes on Bikes take over the main street of Hay with all other parade entrances.
“Gari was the star attraction at this year’s Sydney World Pride and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pride Walk and we are beyond excited and thrilled to have her coming to our festival this year,” Wyatt Morriss, the festival’s secretary said.
“We will be the first and only festival outside of Sydney to have Gari join them, and a perfect representative of our theme this year of strength and resilience’ Rainbow on the Plains Festival organisers are also pleased to announce there will be some exciting additions to this year’s Festival. With official events kicking off Friday 17th November and finishing Sunday 19th November, it is set to be a weekend full of fun, celebrations and plenty of love in the air.
Each year, the Rainbow on the Plains festival puts the spotlight on a particular theme, with this year organisers pleased to be focusing on strength and reliance of the LGBTIQA+ and its allies with the theme being ‘Titanium’. For years the LGBTIQA+ community has faced discrimination, not only for their sexuality, but their identity. Additionally, those who have stood by the LGBTIQA+ community (Allies) have also had to show strength and resilience. This year we want all attending to feel strong enough to stand tall and have the resilience to take pride in this.
In addition to the focus on strength and resilience, and thanks to FRRR (Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal), the festival will include an education piece around what LGBTIQA+ stands for and what many of the LGBTIQA+ flags represent. You will get an opportunity to learn where the flags originated from, what the colours mean and you will even get the opportunity to show your support for a particular LGBTIQA+ community by taking part in the community interactive hand print exhibition, oh which will become a legacy piece of the Festival.
Joining Gari for this year’s street parade will be the NSW Fire Service Pride Fire Truck.
“This fire truck was also a star at this year’s Sydney World Pride and the extremely kind offer from NSW Fire Service to bring their appliance to Hay to assist with the celebrations is a reflection on the importance of our festival and the amazing impact we are having,” Brett Boulton, Rainbow on the Plains treasurer said.
In addition to the excitement building around this year’s Street Parade and the Engie Fair Day, is the Rainbow on the Greens concert, on Friday November 17, on the lawns of the Hay Services Club. This year, entertainment will include the amazing Zain Mitchlan, a number of drag performances and James Ash and Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Rogue Traders), as well as kids entertainment, food trucks and one of the most colourful fireworks display Hay may have ever seen.
Mr Gay Pride Australia is excited to be returning to Hay in 2023 to rekindle friendships and premiere a short film produced at the 2022 competition held in Hay and won by Dion Alexander.
“We believe it’s only fitting that we premiere the 2022 journey right back in the place where all of the memories were made and we thank Rainbow on the Plains for allowing us to once again be a part of the festival,” Tony Richens, Co-Director of Mr Gay Pride Australia, said.
“As our 2022 winner Dion Alexander heads to Cape Town in South Africa next week to compete in Mr Gay World, it has allowed us time to reset Mr Gay Pride Australia and get ready for the competition to return in 2024.”
Our visitors won’t want to leave town early this year with the Hay Lions’ Women’s AFL Pride Cup on again.
“This is a powerful celebration of diversity, equality, and inclusion, bringing together our community to support and embrace LGBTQIA+ individuals in a spirit of unity and acceptance,” Jade Auldist, one of the festival’s board member said.
“We look forward to a day filled with pride, camaraderie, and memorable moments.”
The Rainbow on the Plains Festival has retained its focus on community, education, awareness, celebration and working on getting critical sexual and mental health support services to our region. This year’s festival is no different and is only possible through the ongoing support of our amazing sponsors, including De Bortoli Wines, Hay Services Club, TyTy Logistics, My Lending Specialist, Bendigo Bank, ACON, Hay Shire Council, All Travel Solutions, Robertson Bakery, Riverina Skin Specialists and South West Arts, additionally, this year we are honoured to welcome Engie, and Elm Grove Estate to our Rainbow family.
If you would like more information, please head to rainbowontheplains.com.au.
Last Updated on Oct 20, 2023
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