Inaugural Queerswich festival celebrates culture and diversity

29 May 2023

The inaugural Queerswich festival comes to Ipswich this weekend, celebrating inclusion, culture and diversity in our community.

Ipswich City Council’s Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said Queerswich, being held in Tulmur Place, promises to be a free, family fun day.

“There will be free kids’ activities, including diversity story time with a range of community members reading; community stalls, markets and food trucks; a paws for pride puppy pageant; Friends of Dorothy art show; and live entertainment with drag queens and a DJ,” Cr Fechner said.

“Council supports initiatives and partnerships that encourage participation in community life, foster social cohesion, celebrate culture and diversity, and contribute to a vibrant, healthy and sustainable local economy and city.”

Queerswich is being delivered by Pink Flamingo Events, and will be held on Sunday, 4 June, from 10am to 3pm.

It aims to raise awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community, its achievements and ongoing struggles to reduce social stigma and promote inclusion.

Arts Connect, a not-for-profit group which supports local artists and the arts, is managing the ‘Friends of Dorothy’ art show at the event.

“Arts Connect coordinated a funding application to council, which resulted in a $5,000 grant for Queerswich, through council’s Community Events Funding,” Cr Fechner said.