The Coastal Twist Festival is back for its highly anticipated fourth edition from October 1st to 6th, transforming the Central Coast into a vibrant celebration of LGBTIQ Arts & Culture. This year’s festival, themed “Rise & Shine,” promises six days of exhilarating entertainment and enriching experiences, making it the region’s most dazzling week of the year.
Tickets are now available for purchase, and all events are officially live! Embracing the phoenix’s symbolism of resilience and renewal, the “Rise & Shine” theme encourages attendees to tap into their full potential and share their unique sparks with the world. Spanning from Woy Woy to Umina Beach and Gosford, the festival will take place across multiple hubs, featuring a diverse array of free and ticketed events suitable for all ages and abilities.
Festival highlights include captivating cabaret shows, live music performances, film screenings, vibrant dance parties, engaging activities for youth and seniors, thought-provoking art exhibitions, and the centrepiece event, the Coastie Carnie Fair Day on October 6th promises a day-long family friendly extravaganza featuring headlining performances, a Puparazzi Pooch Parade, Youth activities and showcases from local businesses and organizations.
Festival Director Glitta Supernova shared, “The ‘Rise & Shine’ theme perfectly encapsulates our community’s resilience and determination to thrive. It’s a celebration of our journey from adversity to empowerment, fostering a deeper connection and greater inclusion within our diverse community.”
The Coastal Twist Festival has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, filling a crucial gap in the region and becoming one of NSW’s largest regional LGBTIQ festivals. Despite challenges faced by the festival industry, including numerous cancellations in 2022-2023, the festival has made a remarkable impact, with increased local business involvement and significant external visitation.
This year’s festival continues to champion inclusivity and diversity, welcoming everyone from all walks of life. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s a call to action to embrace differences and drive positive change.
For those interested in contributing to a more inclusive Central Coast—whether as an artist, volunteer, or participant in events like the Pupparazzi Pooch Parade or Community Fair Day—there are many ways to get involved. Visit our website and click on the “Participate” tab to learn more.
For more information, including event schedules and ticketing details, visit: https://coastaltwist.org.au/