The award-winning diva weighed in on Oxtravaganza’s 2024 vibe, her top picks, and some of her fondest memories of the festival.
After the epic installation of WorldPride in 2023, Oxtravaganza is back for its eighth year of colourful, camp, and creative energy for Mardi Gras 2024. The veritable fringe festival centres itself around Oxford Street and The Rainbow Precinct, stretching as far as Kings Cross, from mid-February to early March.
There are two weeks of events including art exhibitions, live performances, the Darlo Big Drag Brunch, retail deals, a dedicated kids zone with storytelling, face painting, and much more for all communities to get involved. The stellar events all culminate in Parade Night, celebrating the glitz, glam, and gumption of the LGBTQIA+ community in the rowdiest block party!
“Oxtravaganza pulls out all the stops,” Festival Curator Lorraine Lock says. “I mean, it’s not unusual to find something happening on Oxford Street on any night of the week, but Oxtravaganza and Mardi Gras ramp it up to another level!”
Image © Robert Knapman
Having recently won two DIVA awards for Outstanding Technical Contribution in Costuming, and producing Sydney’s Favourite Drag Show at the Oxford Hotel, Jacqui St. Hyde returns to the festivities for the third year in a row, making her an 'Oxtravagant' staple for audiences.
“There are so many different events that happen with Oxtravaganza, where the businesses, artists and community come together. It’s a great celebration!” Jacqui says.
St. Hyde speaks on how she started with the festival – hosting an event at the Oxford Hotel with Adult World (a local adult shop) – and due to their sponsorship, became their promo girl during the event.
“In a time where so many people want to pull us apart, to come together to celebrate an event of unity is just really nice – and is what Oxtravaganza is all about.”
Current highlights for the festival include the Darlo Big Drag Brunch, spanning the two weekends as restaurants, bars and cafes will be hosting their own Drag Brunches – not just on Oxford Street, but right across Darlinghurst. Attendees can also check out the National Art School and the new Qtopia museum at Taylor Square.
“We’re lucky to have the National Art School and the Australian Museum on our doorstep,” Lorraine Lock says. “Plus, a host of smaller galleries in the immediate neighbourhood – art is a big deal and such a part of our history!”
Image © Robert Knapman
Jacqui St. Hyde will be hosting the Viewing Party this year at the Oxford Hotel, “we’ve got the best view!” This year also sees the opening of Qtopia, a hugely anticipated conversion of the old Darlinghurst Police Station into a queer museum and events space. There will be around 100 different events across 40 venues – even more reason to start scheduling in your diary now!
“I’m biased, a resident showgirl at the Oxford Hotel – that’s my favourite venue! In terms of memories, and community, that’s where I’ve spent a lot of time. That’s where my people are. I’m so happy to work there – such a fun atmosphere! They have entertainers literally from Tuesday to Sunday. So much going on!” Jacqui St. Hyde says.
“My fondest Oxtravaganza memory would be WorldPride,” muses St. Hyde on the scope and community the festival has brought to Darlinghurst over the years. “We did the Brunch, and we walked around in groups. I was with a couple people I had never worked with before, but they were the loveliest people, and I work with them still.”
Image © Robert Knapman
“You do things you don’t usually do, and we went around to shop owners, we met restaurant owners – people who wanted to take photos with us, it’s really a nice community vibe. No matter what you’re doing at Oxtravaganza, you’ll find something you like to do, you’ll find a friend you didn’t have before, you’ll find a new artist you didn’t know existed – it’s community, and exploration!”
With many retailers participating in the queerest take-over for suburbia, the Shop ‘Til You Drop event offers retail therapy from day to night – featuring in-store performances, discounts, book signings, tastings, and local artistry. “It’s like a pub crawl, but with shopping involved – you stop into every other business, and you explore bits of the neighbourhood that you don’t usually go into!”
When asked what the vibe of Oxtravaganza was, St. Hyde says: “It’s really just togetherness – and I’m not sure if that’s even a word!” Parts of the neighbourhood that you may not have explored are suddenly highlighted through the many events – be it a retailer, an artist, or a restaurant. Oxtravaganza celebrates the community, and those who form it.
Oxtravaganza is on alongside Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras, from 16 February-3 March.
