“Rise & Shine” with Coastal Twist
Coastal Twist Festival Brings Colour, Culture, and Community to the Central Coast
The Coastal Twist Arts & Culture Festival kicked off on Tuesday, October 1st, flooding the Central Coast with a vibrant burst of colour and excitement. Flags flutter in the streets, storefronts compete in the shopfront display competition, and glitter adorns every corner, signalling the arrival of this much-anticipated celebration.
While Coastal Twist is the Central Coast’s Pride Festival, it transcends that, boldly celebrating diversity and inclusion through art as a catalyst for positive change. Creative Director Glitta Supernova shares, “Behind all the fluff and glamour is a message. We’re pushing for a more welcoming and inclusive Central Coast for everyone,” emphasizing the festival’s mission to unite people of all cultures, ages, genders, and abilities.
This year’s festival theme, “Rise & Shine,” embodies resilience and renewal, inspired by the phoenix rising from flames. It encourages everyone to share their light with the world and reflects the queer community’s ongoing transformation of oppressive symbols into emblems of strength. In a polarized world, the festival stands as a beacon of unity, fostering healing, empowerment, and amplifying diverse voices through queer arts.
Spanning six days and featuring 11 events, Coastal Twist offers a wide variety of multi-arts programming including live music, film, art exhibitions, cabaret, poetry, dance parties, and even bingo. The diverse lineup of free and ticketed events brings talent from across Australia alongside local performers, adding to the cultural vibrancy and boosting the local economy.
A standout highlight is The Love Club Cabaret on Friday, October 4th, hosted by Fez Faanana of BRIEFS, showcasing Australia’s top LGBTIQA+ performers in a night of connection and unapologetic self-expression. Another not-to-miss event is the Bauhaus Fire Birds surrealist dance party on Saturday, October 5th, blending fashion, art, and energy with DJs, performers, and Go-Go dancers.
The crown jewel of the festival is the Coastie Carnie Fair Day on Sunday, October 6th, a free, family-friendly event at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct. Headlining is ARIA Award-winning neo-soul sensation Kaiit, whose extraordinary talent has garnered over 30 million streams and 90,000 Spotify followers. Making her Central Coast debut, Kaiit dazzled audiences at last year’s Vivid Tumbalong Nights and more recently at her 2024 Sydney Opera House debut. Born in Papua New Guinea and raised in Australia, Kaiit’s soulful sound blends her diverse heritage with influences from Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, the latter of whom praised her as a musical love child. Her unique voice, infused with effortless cool and depth, has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim. Joining her on stage will be Greg Gould (Australia’s got Talent), Vetta Borne, and drag sensation Molly Poppinz (RuPauls Down under), plus more, promising an unforgettable day of music and culture.
For families, Fair Day offers a dedicated activity area featuring a Circus Play Space by Roundabout Circus, interactive Sensory Play, the eco-inspired Mini Beast Disco, and inclusive Storytime sessions, ensuring that all ages are part of this vibrant celebration.
“We invite everyone to celebrate LGBTIQA+ expression and the vibrant diversity of our community. It truly takes a village to build a more inclusive world,” says Supernova. Visit the Coastal Twist website for the full schedule and more details.
