Queer camping festival Gaytimes is back for its eighth year with a riotous blend of music, dancing, workshops, yoga, performance art, food trucks and plenty of eco-glitter.

Founded by the organisers of long-running queer party Closet, the annual “frolic in the forest” is set to attract a colourful crew from the LGBTIQA+ community to Gilwell Park Scout Camp outside Gembrook, February 23-25.

The just-announced line-up of local and international acts includes Berlin-based techno producer and trans activist Bashkka, a regular at Berghain’s Panorama Bar whose 2023 Glastonbury set was nominated one of the festival's five best by Resident Advisor, playing in Australia for the first time.

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Returning regulars include Melbourne-born, Lisbon-based DJ CC:DISCO!, songwriter, storyteller and “third culture kid” (Filipino/Wiradjuri) Mo’Ju, and local dance star Jennifer Loveless. Yorta, Kalkadoon and Yirendali artist (and Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year) Miss Kaninna will also appear after a huge 2023.

Festival director Anna Whitelaw says the festival’s greatest strength is the diversity of its program. “As one of the world’s only queer camping music festivals, Gaytimes is really proud to showcase queer and gender-diverse musicians and artists,” she tells Broadsheet.

Set in the native forest of the Dandenong Ranges, 90 minutes from Melbourne, the “bush doof with a touch of class” has become a staple of the local queer calendar. “As a grassroots, community-run festival for the LGBTIQ community, Gaytimes isn’t just a music festival,” says Whitelaw. “It’s a labour of love to create a queer utopia in the forest which is truly magical.”

This year will see the return of the annual Drag Race, a literal running race in drag (no heels allowed, sadly), a Walk-Off where competitors strut their stuff for the festival’s admiration, and the Gay Spa, where punters can relax in woodfired hot tubs and cold plunge pools in a picturesque forest clearing.

For campers who prefer not to rough it, there are options for glamping tickets, with pre-pitched bell tents and a deluxe package featuring a “proper” double bed with mattress, bedding and furniture.

Gaytimes Festival 2024 takes place Friday February 23 to Sunday February 25, 2024 at Gilwell Park, Gembrook. Tickets from $460.

www.gaytimes.com.au
@gaytimesfestival

Full line-up:
Aysha Buffet
Ahju
Aldonna
Alex Morris
Aqueerius
Aroha
Bae Marie
Bashkka
Bec Stevens
CC:DISCO!
Charley
Confide
Daws
Don’t Thank Me, Spank Me
Dyan Tai
Esmeralda
Gay Roberto
Good Pash
Granny Bingo
Haven
Hana & Jesse’s Bad Habits
House of Buffet
House Mum
Jacqui Cunningham
Jennifer Loveless
Jude York
Julai X House of Diesel
June Jones
Jlaw
Kitsch Kitchen
Karmalita
Kuzco
Kongs Kings
Kye
Lemon Tart
Lips Service
Mason Browne
Masontm
Mel & Sam
Merve (Au/eu)
Miss Kannina
Mo’ju
Mon Franco
Monnie
Motherless Collective
Nefertiti La Negra
Niamh
Pet:ra
Pink Matter
Pricie
Onyx
Rosie Rai
Sappho
Smb8
Stev Zar
3rd Orbit
Tommy & Eadie
Total Giovanni