Spring may have been slow in arriving this year, but Pride Fairday was blessed with warm weather and sunshine as it kicked off the 20th annual Pride Festival on September 27.
Final figures show that approximately 5,500 people attended Fairday, and while that is a slight reduction on last year, bar sales indicate that people stayed to enjoy the festivities longer.
Organisers have hailed the event a success saying they have received a lot of positive feedback on all aspects of the day.
‘Entertainment was more accessible to people in the drinking area, the stalls were often overrun with people, and there was little congestion at the front gate, the bars or the toilets, which is always a good sign,’ said Pride events coordinator, Andrew Baietta.
As a family-friendly event, Fairday has worked hard to combine the required restricted drinking areas with child and dog-friendly spaces.
‘I think seeing the number of families and kids at Fairday this year was great, and Independent Events did a great job of facilitating having family groups in the licensed area,’ Baietta said.
Crowds were entertained by live performances from the Gay and Lesbian Singers, Nat Ripepi, Dean Misdale, Kyle Dessent and the controversial Eric the Bear.
Adelaide singer/songwriter, Eric Kuhlmann (Eric the Bear) is appearing in Red Light Songs of Love, Lust and Death at Connections Nightclub during the festival and his racy lyrics caused a stir amongst certain members of the crowd.
‘We’d like to apologise to anyone who may have been offended by the lyrics of Eric the Bear’s songs played earlier in the day, his spot was confused and he went on early when he should have been on after 6pm, this was an oversight on our behalf and his set was cut short once it became obvious the content was not getting any cleaner,’ explains Baietta.
‘We have also learnt to keep a tighter leash on our drag queen hosts after a couple of people have complained about the language and adult themes later in the afternoon.’
Michael Pintabona, Barbie Q and Lottie La Douche hosted the day and were all reasonably well behaved.
Local DJs Johnni P, Seb Sharp and Feminem kept the tunes flowing throughout the afternoon and performances from Gillette Venus and the Fusion Power Dancers and
Birds of Paradisco added a touch of colour and glamour.
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