Vocal powerhouses Emily Williams and Greg Gould will headline the 2026 Brisbane Pride Queens Ball Awards. Joining the entertainment will be crowd favourite DJ Richie LeStrange, set to bring their signature energy to the dance floor as Brisbane City Hall transforms into a spectacular celebration of community, pride and performance.
This year’s Ball will also feature a special tribute to the Queens Ball founder, the late, great Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke (AKA Laurie Dean), recognising Sybil’s extraordinary contribution to Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ communities, and her role in establishing what is believed to be the longest continuously running LGBTQIA+ event in the world.
The 65th Queens Ball will be hosted by Brisbane drag icon Chocolate Boxx and Paul Wheeler, honouring the contributions of LGBTQIA+ community members and organisations with the annual Queens Ball Awards.
“The Queens Ball has always been about bringing our communities together through celebration, visibility and pride, and this year’s headliners Emily Williams and Greg Gould, along with DJ Richie LeStrange, will help make the 65th Ball one of the most memorable yet,” Brisbane Pride President James McCarthy says.
“This year’s tribute to Queens Ball founder Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke will provide an important moment of reflection during this year’s Ball.
“Queens Ball is not only a celebration of our communities today, but also an opportunity to honour people like Dame Sybil, who helped build the spaces, traditions and opportunities we now enjoy.
“Dame Sybil’s vision created an enduring legacy that has touched generations of LGBTQIA+ Queenslanders, and we are proud to celebrate her contribution as part of this historic 65th event.
“We know this year’s Ball is shaping up to be something very special, and we encourage people to book tickets now to avoid missing out on one of our community’s signature events.”
Brisbane Pride’s 2026 Queens Ball Awards take place at Brisbane City Hall on 20 June.
