Courtney Act to headline Daylesford ChillOut Festival 2024
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27.11.2023

Courtney Act to headline Daylesford ChillOut Festival 2024

Credit: Mitch Fong
Words by Staff Writer

Get ready to unleash the fabulous with ChillOut Festival 2024, Australia's premier and longest-running regional queer festival.

Dust off those glittery boots because the ChillOut Festival, Australia’s ultimate regional LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural festival, is making its triumphant return in 2024!

From Thursday, March 7 to Monday, March 11, 2024, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are once again transforming into a vibrant haven for the much-anticipated “Boots & Bling” themed weekend.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

Headlining this glittering spectacle is none other than the dazzling Courtney Act, set to grace the festival with multiple performances and appearances across the weekend. Courtney herself is bubbling with excitement, stating, “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally set foot in Daylesford for ChillOut 2024! After hearing countless fabulous stories about this gem of a town and its vibrant community, I’m ready to sprinkle a little Courtney Act sparkle on the festivities.”

The festival is packing a punch with beloved events making a comeback, including the fabulously camp Bush Dance on Saturday night and the iconic Street Parade on Sunday. But that’s not all – brace yourselves for new additions like the groove-worthy 100% Dance, kicking off the party at Daylesford Town Hall on Friday night. And, of course, Poof Doof is back to host the official ChillOut after party on Sunday night, promising an unforgettable Denim & Diamonds-themed bash.

With over 50 events on the roster, both ticketed and free, ChillOut Festival solidifies its status as Australia’s premier and longest-running regional queer festival. Drawing in nearly 30,000 visitors, the festival transforms the region into a colourful celebration of diversity, infusing life into accommodations and restaurants.

ChillOut Festival 2024 Program Highlights:

100% Dance – A huge dance event to kick off ChillOut 2024 in style. Don’t stop til you drop with featured acts Shauna Jensen (Syd) singing 100% bangers, Kween Kong (RuPaul Drag Race) and dancers with Headline act 100% Kylie Tribute Show (be still our beating hearts: Padam Padam). We are sure Courtney will be popping in to have a boogie with you all.
Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 8 pm – 1 am (Saturday)
Where: Daylesford Town Hall, 76 Vincent St, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $45 concession, $50 full.

Bush Dance – Slip on your best flannie and cowboy boots for two-stepping and line dancing with Nate Byrne and Courtney Act. Special guests to be revealed. Yee haawwww!
Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: 8 pm – 1 am (Sunday)
Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $45 concession, $50 full.

Funk Soul Sista – Celebrate all things femme at this saloon lounge and dance event. An incredible line-up of acts awaits. Hosted by Denise Hanlon and featuring icons Bluehouse and funk soul sensation Bek Jensen. Dance into the wee hours with DJ Eddie.
Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: 8 pm – 1am (Sunday)
Where: Daylesford Town Hall, 76 Vincent St, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $40 concession, $45 full.

ChillOut Street Parade – Don’t miss the iconic ChillOut Street Parade, with our community and festival stars on display.
Date: Sunday, March 10
Time: 10am – 11 am
Where: Vincent St, Daylesford
Cost: Free

Carnival – A day of community, laughter, singing, and joy hosted by Nate Byrne, Courtney Act and Narelda Jacobs. Featuring Kween Kong, Katie Underwood, Sexy Galexy, Shauna Jensen, The Lost Girls, Bek Jensen duo, Dolly Diamond and more with and a closing performance by Courney Act
Date: Sunday, March 10
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $30 concession, $35 full. Children under 16 are free.

Poof Doof – Poof Doof is returning to host the official ChillOut after party! This year’s ‘Denim & Diamonds’ theme event features a line-up of Australian queer DJ legends and drag icons.
Date: Sunday, March 10
Time: 7 pm – 1 am (Monday)
Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $45 full.

ChillOut Festival is not just a festival; it’s an organisation supporting and bringing together the rural LGBTIQ community, artists, and the broader community for 25 years.

Held in the gay capital of regional Victoria – Daylesford, ChillOut has grown into the biggest Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia and the largest festival in the Hepburn Shire. While events in the capital cities might be bigger, ChillOut retains a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere, finding a special place in the hearts of the LGBTIQ community across Australia – and the world.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of ChillOut Festival 2024! For more details and to secure your spot at the hottest LGBTIQ+ festival in town, head here