Party like a queen this Mardi Gras

Bust out the glitter and dust off the wigs — Broome Mardi Gras 2020 is here! Thousands of revellers from near and far are expected to be out in force, painting the town rainbow-coloured during the three-day festival celebrating all things LGBTQ as “one community”. With its humble beginnings as a themed dance party at Skylla Lounge in 2016, Broome Mardi Gras has evolved into a colourful festival that has garnered ever-growing support from local businesses and the tourism industry. Considered to be the first major event on Broome’s social calendar, there will be plenty for locals and visitors to see and do during the leap year weekend. It is all set to kick off today when Drag Territory hosts a good old-fashioned game of Drag Bingo at the Mangrove Hotel. Darwin’s Vogue MegaQueen and Melbourne queen Jessica James will host the hilarious 15+ night when “balls drop”, and will throw plenty of shade. Players will compete for a $100 cash jackpot and a bunch of fabulous prizes donated by local businesses. The queens will also put on a couple of drag performances ito allow patrons a sneak peek of what’s to come. Tomorrow, Mardi Gras celebrations will take over the Broome Civic Centre for the sell-out Cabaret Dinner. While enjoying a delicious meal prepared by The Aarli Bar, patrons will be treated to special drag performances by headliners Drag Territory. Vogue MegaQueen, Prawn Cracker Spice and Ferocia Coutura will return to the stage for the third year in a row, performing all new shows for the audience. They will be joined by Melbourne’s Jessica James, local queens Sum-Ting Wong and Ayleesha Tryed, the Pearlesque Belles, and dancers from Sun Studios. Sashaying onto the stage for the first time will be former Miss First Nation winner, Lasey Dunaman, who said she was very excited to be coming to Broome and performing her “powerhouse” lipsyncs. Broome Mardi Gras will reach its climax on Saturday, when revellers will experience something old and something new. For the very first time, children will be able to take part in the Mardi Gras festivities during Drag Queen Storytime at Studio 34. Kids will be read stories and fairytales and have a sing and dance with Princess Vogue MegaQueen and Fairy Ferocia Coutura, above.. Later that day, revellers will be able to get all dragged up and dance the night away at the Broome Mardi Gras Dance Party at the Mangrove Hotel. During the party, a new Kimberley Queen will be crowned as contestants bring it to the runway in a bid to succeed reigning queen Ayleesha Tryed. There will also be performances by the Wasamba Carnival Drummers, Drag Territory, and the Pearleqsue Belles. After the coronation of the 2020 Kimberley Queen, DJ Timbee will provide the tunes for a spectacular night overlooking Roebuck Bay as revellers dance the night away.