Town’s Pridea truly epicextravaganza

The razzle-dazzle of Australia’s most remote Mardi Gras celebration returned for a fifth year last week, attracting record crowds in colourful costumes and covered in glitter to the streets of Broome.

Broome Pride left the town enthralled by the extravaganza of an epic three-night celebration, all while raising money for headspace Broome and the Wasamba Carnival Drummers.

The weekend’s festivities began with a night of drag bingo at The Mangrove Hotel last Thursday, followed by a Cabaret Dinner at Broome Civic Centre on Friday.

Celebrations returned to The Mangrove Hotel on Saturday, with the celebration reaching its climax with a dance party and the 2019 Kimberley Queen competition.

Headline performers Jessica James and Drag Territory wowed the crowd with stunning costumes and wig-snatching lip-sync performances, while local performers Sum-Ting Wong, Pearlesque Belles and Wasamba Carnival Drummers also impressed.

At the Kimberley Queen competition, Sum-Ting Wong passed on her crown to Port Hedland-based queen Ayleesha Tryed.

Broome Pride president Lucy Falcocchio said this year’s Mardi Gras had been nothing short of epic as the town truly celebrated as one community.

“A huge thanks to Drag Territory and Jessica James, Pearlesque Belles and Wasamba for entertaining the crowd,” she said.

“A special thanks to Senator Louise Pratt and Environment Minister Stephen Dawson for proudly showing your support for Broome Pride and celebrating Mardi Gras with us.

“The biggest thanks goes to every person who attended the events as it’s your support and great attitude that makes the event so epic.”