Sensational Adelaide

There are some stereotypes that Adelaide does live up to. It is, for example, a food and wine lover’s paradise, with amazing (and cheap) restaurants in the inner city and wonderful wine regions within two hours’ drive of the CBD.

Another stereotype -“ that it is a big country town -“ is also partially true. When you fly over the city you realise that it’s not a big place. And, as you’ll probably find on the way out of the airport, people are friendly, curious and town-proud, as in the country.

But it’s also extremely sophisticated, with a great cultural scene and a thriving, fun gay and lesbian festival that is celebrating its 10th year in 2006.

While the visual arts, film, sports, conference and music events start on Friday 3 November, the first major event on the Feast calendar happens on Saturday 11 November.

This is when Pride March -“ Adelaide’s much more casual version of the Mardi Gras parade -“ makes its way from Adelaide’s Torrens Parade Ground to the Lion Arts Centre, where the festival is welcomed to the city.

The Lion Arts Centre is an artists’ hub in the west end of the city, and after two hours of entertainment the Movable Feast Party kicks off at gay and gay-friendly venues around the city.

Another festival favourite is the Picnic in the Park on Sunday 26 November, at the city’s Rymill Park. Popular with both dogs and their gay, lesbian or supportive straight owners, the Picnic is an institution on the Feast calendar.

Like Fair Day, it features a wild mix of attractions, from a dog show to lube wrestling. DJs will provide music, lots of food is available and you can even hire a rowboat, apparently. There is also a special area for children and community information stalls.

Those more interested in night-time pleasures won’t want to miss Sleaze Ball on Saturday 18 November and the refurbished, but legendary, Adelaide nightclub Le Rox.

This year’s theme is Forbidden Fruits: the Garden of Indiscretion and it is absolutely going to live up to its name, with a BDSM play space and two dancefloors featuring international and interstate DJs. Tickets range from $40 (early bird special) to $65 on the door, but last year’s party sold out. Bookings at the VenueTix website.

For the full festival program visit the Feast website.