By David Russell
The world’s most famous drag queen had a close encounter with Stephen the Cleland Koala this morning, ahead of tomorrow’s launch of Feast Festival 2015.
While the photo op gave Conchita Wurst a platform to show off her trademark wit and flirt with bashful cameramen and reporters, she took the opportunity to make a more serious statement about the need to raise awareness of the LGBTIQ community.
“Bullying is a very important topic, and it’s more difficult (for young people) in a time of social media,” she said.
“I truly believe respect and freedom are linked to knowledge. In Austria many people didn’t know what a drag queen was… I was able to help change that.”
Conchita Wurst arriving at Cleland Wildlife Park.
Bagging Conchita as the headline act was a coup for Feast, and one that has paid off; ticket sales are already double what they were last year. This year’s Festival boasts an expanded range of acts, with Feast adopting an open access model similar to the Adelaide Fringe.
Fans will be able to see Conchita this Sunday when she leads The art of drag on George Street in Adelaide.
“I’m very excited about that. There will be singers, dancers, comedians… and its something truly beautiful that The art of drag has come up with such a colourful line-up… so I hope everyone is entertained to their taste,” she said.
“We will also break the Guinness World Record for the most drag queens performing on stage at once.
“I can’t wait … I’m very nosey… I love to watch the girls do their makeup and get some tricks and tips.”
To see the full line-up of events and book tickets visit feast.org.au