February 2nd, 2023Must sees at ChillOut 2023
Daylesford is a special place, and Emma Ireland would know.
After decades working on major events like Bluesfest and Big Day Out as well as organising
club and circus events in Melbourne’s inner city scene, she chose to raise her family here well before she became ChillOut Festival director.
“I love this year’s theme, Find Your Wings. It’s as much in celebration of the
rediscovery of the bright eyed brown butterfly near Lake Daylesford as it is about
finding your community, and your true self.
“I’m telling everyone – find your wings and enjoy the beautiful transformation
that is the ChillOut Festival on the long weekend, March 2023. And bring your
wings – because we all know how important costumes are.”
This year’s festival will be more accessible for people with disabilities, with improved facilities and inclusion being front and centre of programming and logistics, including an accessible seated area outside the Town Hall at the street parade, more Auslan interpreters and more accessible toilets at Victoria Park.
“We’re actively seeking out how to use accessibility best practice across the festival
so that people living with a disability can enjoy the weekend,” Emma said.
Events will include the famous bush dance, street parade, and carnival day, as
well as new traditions like the All Ages Sound Shell event which started last year by
Daylesford Secondary College’s student-led ‘Pride BriGAYde’.
Up and coming LGBTQIA+ talent will rub shoulders with stars like national
treasure Kate Miller-Heidke, Drag Race superstars Karen from Finance and Art
Simone, as well as Miss First Nation 2021 Cerulean, cabaret queens Dolly Diamond
and Tash York, Greg Gould, live music from Dean Arcuri, Tuck Shop Ladies, This
Way North, Marz, Jude Perl and more.
“I’m excited to bring back the ChillOut fundraiser lunch at 1pm. There will be
surprise guests performing, giveaways, a silent auction, it’s a bit of fun and it helps
keep the festival going. We’ve also brought back welcome drinks at the Daylesford
Hotel at 5pm, just like old times.
“And we have two incredible cabaret shows at the Town Hall from 6pm.
Diamond and York, and Karen from Finance. We have 55 events this year – so there
really is something for everyone.”
Cabaret and comedy shows: Dolly Diamond and Tash York are Attention Seekers |
Friday 10 March | 6pm | Daylesford Town Hall
Karen From Finance is Doing Time | Friday 10 March | 8pm | Daylesford Town
Hall
Daytime fun: Carnivale: Sunday 12 March | 11am – 5pm | Victoria Park
Find your wings at Carnivale – set up a picnic for a day of community, laughter,
singing and joy hosted by our way-beyond-fabulous MC duo Nate Byrne and Art
Simone. It’s a full day of stellar performers including Kate Miller-Heidke, as well as
community events, kid-friendly activities, dog pageant and the annual “tug of love”
rope-pulling competition.
Night dance parties: Ballroom Blitz | Friday 10 March | 8pm – 12 | Victoria Park
Hey Hunny! Saturday 11 March | Daylesford Town Hall | 7pm to 1am
Bush Dance | Saturday 11 March | 8pm – midnight | Victoria Park
Sunday after parties: Poof Doof After Party: Sunday 12 March | 7pm to midnight |
Victoria Park
Tomboy Goes Bush: Sunday 12 March | 5pm to midnight | Daylesford Hotel
The Local is proud to be ChillOut’s media partner.
Image: Michele Donnelly Link: www.chilloutfestival.com.au
