The NSW Central Coast arts community will fly its rainbow flag once again, with the Coastal Twist LGBTIQA+ Arts and Culture Festival set to return.
The annual festival will take place at Woy Woy, Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach over seven days and nights from September 27-October 3.
It will offer plenty of surprises, lots of vibrancy and fun, and some of its biggest headliners to date.
Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields will perform on the Central Coast for the first time. The group is known for combining modern electric-soul music with ancient indigenous culture.
Drag queen Etcetera Etcetera will also be heading to the coast, direct from Ru Paul's Drag Race Down Under.
Other confirmed acts include acclaimed puppeteers Erth, DJ Jonny Seymour, circus performer Empress Stah, burlesque performer Ruby Slippers and a comedy showcase by Kweens of Comedy.
Funded by the NSW government, the festival has also expanded its community programs benefiting LGBTQ youth, seniors and all abilities communities this year.
Major events will include Life's a Beach, which will offer a day of DJs and entertainment on Umina Beach and festival centrepiece Coastie Carnie Fair Day. The latter will feature all day entertainment, markets, a curated food and bar area, rainbow family area, drag storytime, a teen zone and the Pupparazzi Pooch Parade.
Other key attractions will include the Love Club cabaret and Futurismo surrealist dance party.
Festival director Glitta Supernova said celebrating diversity was important for the "visibility, morale and growth" of regional areas.
"We are absolutely delighted to see things opening again, people enjoying the outdoors and having a hoot enjoying the arts, and Coastal Twist Festival has it all," Glitta said.
"NSW needs this as much as you do... it's more than time to smile and enjoy some of the good things in life."
For full program details or more information click here.
