The LGBTIQ  community in rural Western Australia have a big event to get excited about. Members of the rainbow community that may have previously been isolated can come together for a festival that celebrates diversity in all its facets. GFEST 2012 in Geraldton is set to be a perfect blend of culture, creativity and celebration.

Here are some of the things lined up for the evening, the event plans to be bigger and bolder than previous years – Headlining the festivities, highly acclaimed Amy Housewine will be bringing your her rendition of the late Amy Winehouse. The comedic cabaret show Back to Crack has garnered popularity nationwide. Housewine, AKA Lisa Adam has performed to sell out shows at the Sydney Mardi Gras 2012, the Brisbane Cabaret Festival, and the Adelaide Fringe. The performance is set to be a brilliant tribute to the late singer.

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Speaking of tributes – the Priscilla Drag Show is bringing its rendition of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. No gay festivity is complete without a compelling drag show. The ladies will be bringing performances of I Love the Nightlife, Shake Your Groove Thing and Finally. The costumes are rumoured to be mind-blowing. Sidenote: Be prepared for a ping-pong scene.

The ladies from Sugar Blue Burlesque will be injecting some sex-appeal into the festival this year. Audiences will get the chance to soak in a blend of vintage and contemporary burlesque performances, with a circus twist. Prepare to be titillated and teased. Ladies, gents and everything in between, feel free to get involved! Burlesque workshops are also on the agenda.

A mingling of music old and new will entrench the festival this year, the infamous blues duo Hunter-Lloyd will be delivering some sultry Sydney talent. DJ’s and dance parties will be injecting some modern musical fun into the evening. DJs will be performing until the early morning.

It’s not all fun and games for the festival, co-ordinator Raina Savage spoke of how the festival will aim to generate inclusivity, and highlight diversity – ‘Diverse cultural and social groups are part of the fabric of regional society but are often isolated and invisible. GFEST addresses the need for a more inclusive and celebratory approach to minority cultures.

‘While GFEST is a fun, inclusive event for the whole community, it’s celebration of cultural and sexual diversity will have particular resonance for local same-sex attracted people’.

GFEST 2012 will be taking place at the Greenough Historical Settlement, 20kms south of Geraldton. Grab your tickets at the door for $45, or grab presales from Geraldton CD Centre, the ACDC Gallery or the Central Greenough Historical Settlement.

Nadine Walker