Rainbow on the Plains 2024 - all the photos from Hay’s Pride festival
The Riverine Grazier’s Kimberly Grabham and Cheyenne Hurst took part in the 2024 Rainbow on the Plains street parade, in the distinctive Grazier vehicle.
By Krista Schade
The 2024 Rainbow on the plains festival was another resounding success. Hay was awash with colourful costumes and banners, during the three day events.
On Thursday ACON held community training before Broken Hill’s Shelita Buffet hosted a Piscilla Queen of the Desert tribute at South Hay Hotel.
The Rainbow on the Greens outdoor concert kicked off the live music on Friday night at Hay Services Club, and featured Joanne and Zoe Badwi, and ended the night with a spectacular fireworks display by Anthony Slattery.
The warm conditions didn’t stop the parade along Lachlan Street on Saturday, once again led by Dykes on Bikes Melbourne and Sydney chapters. A highlight was the inclusion of Gari the Rainbow Serpent. The distinctive street puppet was co-created by ACON and the community in the lead up to the First Nations Float for Sydney World Pride. Having Gari as part of the Hay celebrations was a coup for local organisers.
The Engie Fair Day was held after the parade on Saturday afternoon in Hay Park. Hay Youth Taskforce kept festival goers cool with a variety of water activities. They kept events for young people going, hosting a glittering roller disco on Saturday evening.
For the adults, the afterparty on Saturday night at Hay Services Club featured the return of artists Zoe Badwi and Joanne, as well as festival favourite Zain Mitchlain. Drag artists Selita Buffet, Angel Cupcakes, Max Drag Queen, Krayola, XYZ and Victoria Bitter all appeared, as well as DJ duo Pop Chops and international drag king Justin Teliqure.
Dyson Buses supported the afterparty, providing free curtesy buses ferrying partying guests back to their accommodations.
A Sunday recovery brunch was held at Kinfolk Cafe, with a performance by Angel Cupcakes.
The dates for the 2025 festival have been released - 13 - 16 November.
Above: Members of the organising committee Brett Boulton (left) and Will Miller.
Images: The Riverine Grazier / Margie McClelland, Kimberly Grabham and Cheyenne Hurst
