Check the forecast - mid-20s days are coming your way.
Now, check your calendar – over 150 DJs, drag queens, dancers and performance artists are gathering to camp up at this first glimpse of summer. The inaugural Summer Camp Festival – Australia’s new inclusive festival – promises a playground of music, art and culture that suspends reality and imagination.
Summer Camp launches in Sydney and Melbourne over the first two weekends in November. In development for over two years, the festival swings an irresistible lineup canvassed with diverse local and international talent.
To prep you for this queer summer fun, in case your appetite isn’t whet enough, let’s take a quick refresher on the international headliners who are taking full advantage of re-opened borders.
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Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Remember belting out Murder on the Dancefloor circa 2007 on SingStar with your cousins in your lounge room? Time to reawaken that energy.
Throughout her illustrious career, British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s music has graced our home, festival and club dance floors. After time as lead singer for indie rock band Theaudience in the 90s, Ellis-Bextor sold more than two million copies of her debut solo album. Two decades on, her weekly lockdown performances Kitchen Disco reached 40 million viewers before being rereleased as her 8th album. She’s heading out of the kitchen to bring her disco vibes to Melbourne and Sydney.
Years & Years
In 2021, a decade after forming as a band, Years & Years transitioned into Olly Alexander’s solo project, bing one of many big moments for Alexander in the last few years. He’s collaborated with icons Kylie Minogue, Elton John and Lady Gaga, entertained thousands at Glastonbury, received an award-nomination for his performance in It’s A Sin and released Years & Years’ third studio album Night Call. After writing the album over lockdown, the actor and singer continues his impressive trajectory in the outside world by escaping chilly London as Summer Camp’s featured headliner.
Big Freedia
The Queen of Bounce circles some big names. Big Freedia featured on Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning single Formation, with Queen Bey also sampling her music for #1 hit Break My Soul. Her many credits also spans hits with Drake, Lizzo, Kesha and more, as well as having recently joined the panel for Ru Paul’s Drag Race. The hip-hop artist is no stranger to reality television, with her 6-season show Big Freedia Bounces Back remaining the highest-rated original series on Fuse TV. From her mid-2000s cult hits to her latest single Louder (from a project dropping this November), Big Freedia is a powerhouse that will give dynamic energy to Australia’s newest music and arts festival.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Summer Camp Festival also welcomes local acts Cub Sport before their intercontinental tour and forever-loved The Veronicas as well as ARIA award-winning Ladyhawke from across the ditch. Other names including Kinder, JessB and French DJ Kiddy Smile make for the perfect start for this festival season.
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Eora/Sydney-siders get first dibs this coming Saturday November 5 while, like warm weather, Naarm/Melbourne follows after on Saturday November 12. A percentage of ticket sales will also go toward the Summer Camp Artists Grants Program: Victorians still have time to book third-release tickets with an optional donation to pay rent to the traditional landowners.
Summer Camp Festival prides itself as a safe place created by queer organisers for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, being a party for everyone; “no matter who you love, your pronouns, or your star sign.”
“After 2 years of cancelled parties, loose event calendars and empty dance floors, I couldn’t be more excited for Summer Camp Festival which will bring together some of my favourite parts of queer culture for massive one-day parties,” Kat Dopper, Summer Camp Festival Co-Founder, shares.
“Summer Camp Festival is a new inclusive festival experience that accepts all the cuties,” Dopper continues. “It’s a chance to frolic in the forest with pals, dress up, and celebrate the true meaning of pride. Love has no labels at Summer Camp – it’s a place to call ‘homo’ this pride season.”
“Let’s get sweaty this summer and feel the euphoria of being together and dancing again.”
Due to popular demand in Melbourne, the festival has moved from Reunion Park to the Velodrome, located in Coburg North’s industrial district. The Sydney venue has also changed to the Roundhouse after originally scheduled for Centennial Park.
For tickets and more information, head to Summer Camp’s website.
