Coastal Twist Festival celebrates diversity

The Coastal Twist Festival continues from Tuesday, September 30, until Sunday, October 5, as it celebrates diversity, champions inclusion, and showcases LGBTIQA+ arts and culture.

Now in its seventh year, Coastal Twist has become a beacon of creativity and connection, drawing thousands of locals and visitors alike.

This year’s theme, Strength in Unity, underscores the festival’s mission — celebrating difference while bringing people together across generations, identities, and communities.

 Through cabaret, music, dance, workshops, and family-friendly activities, Coastal Twist transforms everyday spaces into stages of possibility and pride.

It’s a place where everyone can feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

“Coastal Twist is about bringing people together through creativity, joy, and pride,” Creative Director Glitta Supernova said.

“From cabaret to carnivals, every event is designed to celebrate human diversity while making the Central Coast feel like home for everyone.”

Supernova said shifting goalposts, drawn-out processes, and excessive compliance demands from local government had drained time and resources, forcing volunteers to fight for the festival’s very existence rather than focus on delivering the magic.

“It’s been a lesson in how excessive compliance can, intentionally or not, act as a form of gatekeeping – silencing community-led innovation by making it too hard to succeed,” she said.

“These challenges have tested us like never before, but they’ve also made clear why Strength in Unity is more than a theme – it’s a necessity.

“Globally and locally, this festival is not just a celebration, it’s a testament to resilience and community unity and we need our local Coasties more than ever to stand with us, join us, and celebrate together.”

On Friday, October 3, the festival’s crown jewel returns – The Love Club Cabaret.

A kaleidoscopic explosion of live performance, the high-voltage extravaganza blends theatre, rebellion, and joy.

Hosted by Sexy Galexy and Frock Hudson, the evening features an extraordinary lineup of artists from across Australia who will shimmy, sing, strut and shine in a celebration of creativity.

Saturday, October 4, keeps the momentum going with two spectacular events.

First up is the inaugural Drag Brunch – Burgers, Bubbles and Bold Queens.

Guests will enjoy gourmet burgers, bottomless mimosas, and fabulous drag entertainment in what is set to become a new Coastal Twist tradition.

Later that night, the Bauhaus of Euphoria takes over with a pulsating dance party of maximalist magic, dancefloor beats, and glittering performances, inviting everyone to dress loud, proud, and euphoric.

On Sunday, October 5, the festival culminates in its most colourful tradition – Coastie Carnie Fair Day at Umina Beach.

The free, all-ages celebration transforms the Peninsula Recreation Precinct into a wonderland of live music, art, culture, markets, food, and family fun.

From Aboriginal Storytime to the Kids Disco, plus the legendary Puparazzi Pooch Parade, it’s a joyful day of unity in diversity that embodies the very spirit of Coastal Twist.

For full program details and bookings, visit www.coastaltwist.org.au.