Tropical Fruits’ New Year’s Eve Festival is quickly emerging as one of the must-do events on the rainbow calendar.
From its humble beginnings in 1988, Tropical Fruits’ membership now largely extends the breadth of the New South Wales and Queensland coast.
The not for profit association hosts events most major holidays for its members and their guests.
However its ability to a throw a killer New Years Eve bash has Sydneysiders and Brisbanites abandoning their pumping metropolises to hit the regional sub-tropical city of Lismore in northern New South Wales.
The four day event showcases the works of gay and lesbian community with its art show, cabaret performances, circus and Queer Fruits Film Festival held in Lismore’s grand old Starcourt Theatre.
Then at night, the Lismore Showgrounds are transformed into a smorgasbord of thrusting and throbbing male bodies.
The New Years Eve Party has two massive, proto-industrial dance spaces, which feature top Australian and International DJs and a relaxed groove space called The Cube.
For those willing to pry their eyes away from the dance floor for long enough will see an amazing, over-the-top fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.
Then it is time to hit the slippery, sexy Pool Party for a bit of New Years Day rejuvenation among seriously under-clad queer folk at the post-deco ambience of Lismore Baths.
Meanwhile a barbeque is held at the showgrounds in the lead up to another heady night, grooving away at the New Years Day Recovery Party.
Through out the event there is a licensed bar, which gets packed by chatty gays and can result in long queues, and a café with comfy couches, scrumptious food, coffee and chai.
This year’s New Years’ Eve Party, The Elements, will feature DJs Kitty Glitter, Neroli, Sveta, Feisty, Mandy Rollins, Phill Mezzatesta, Corey Czok, Kimo and Steve Sonius.
DJs Beefy Boy and Lady K are performing at The Pool Party while DJ’s Matt Vaughan and Stephen Allkins will set the pace at the Recovery Party.
Where to stay:
B & B accommodation and motels can be booked through the Lismore, Ballina, Murwillumbah-Tweed and Byron Visitor Centres and camping facilities are offered at the Lismore Showgrounds, which can be organised by contacting Tropical Fruits via their website at www.tropicalfruits.org.au.
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