Coastal Twist Festival Sept 26 – Oct 2

Coastal Twist LGBTIQ Arts & Culture Festival exploded onto the Central Coast scene in 2019 as a locally made, vibrant and original, festival which was unique to the Coast and Fun for all.

In 2019 with an expected audience of 800 and over 7,000 showed up, making it the largest pilot festival Central Coast had ever hosted. Covid cancellations in 2020 & 2021 the festival has continued to grow from strength to strength, last year’s 35% growth with over 9,500 people and completely sold out across 7 days and 12 events, highlighting the Central Coast wanting positive change, community connection and a region which respects, loves and supports all its residents and visitors.

This September 26 – October 2nd welcomes the festival back for its 3rd incarnation in what has become the Coast’s sparkiest week of the year with 7 days of jam-packed surprises, playful and profound fun and learnings with LGBTIQ Arts & Culture for everyone from across our region, our state and our country as Artists, Thinkers and Innovators all come together to present work that simultaneously entertains and expands our worlds and our understanding of resilient communities as well as our possibilities as a region as one which is equitable and welcoming.
Coastal Twist Festival is cooking up its own brand of Quirky, Coastie, Kitsch, this year we have Multiple Central Coast hubs come alive with free and ticketed events to suit all ages and abilities across Woy Woy, Ettalong Beach, Gosford & Umina Beach with Cabaret, Live Music, Film, Dance Parties, Youth & Senior Activations, Art Exhibition, Workshops, Wellbeing Hub and even Bingo. The shining jewel of the Festival, the Coastie Carnie Fair Day on Sunday 1st Oct featuring headliner live music and performance artists alongside locals with all day Entertainment, a Market with makers, local businesses, orgs, Food & beverage, peaking with the now iconic Puparazzi Pooch Parade across the free outdoor family friendly event.
There are activities and entertainment for everyone, regardless of how you identify and this festival is about promoting and celebrating the beauty of diversity across the natural world.
“The 2023 year’s Festival theme “Inclusion means you” is a call for everyone across the Coast and beyond to join us in nurturing a culture of respect for a happier, healthier, and more welcoming Central Coast.” Festival Director Glitta Supernova states. “In times as polarising as these, Inclusion Means You encapsulates the ethos that everyone deserves to be heard, valued, and welcomed with respect.”

Calling all businesses, makers, foodies & community there are so many ways to get involved!
Businesses can contribute to the change across our region by becoming a festival partner, partake in the window display competition for a chance to win great promo prizes to uplift your business from Hit101.3, Central Coast Newspapers & Signarama or have one of our Festival performers perform at your business by hosting a “Twisted Experience” in your venue. Makers & Foodies register to have your stall at the massive Fair Day & Community join the party by submitting your artwork into the Community Art Exhibition, sign up your supermodel Canine into the Puparazzi Pooch Parade or become part of the cogs of the Festival & volunteer, meet new mates & participate. All these opportunities can be found on our Coastal Twist website “Participate” Tab.

We always say it takes a village to make a village & we couldn’t have done it without the support from across the board from local community, corporate, health & Government with support this year by NSW Government through Create NSW, Central Coast Council, ING, Woolworths, ACON, Diggers plus many more, all invested in creating a happier, healthier Central Coast.

“Please join us with respect, love, and possibilities for being better as we spotlight and celebrate the massive creativity of the Coast and indeed the nations LGBTQIA+ communities in all their glitter, gorgeousness, and glory.”

Events on sale now, see what’s on as well as RSVP for free events and ticket purchases, giveaways, prizes, and opportunities. www.coastaltwist.org.au