Big Gay Day

For 22 years, The Whickham has hosted Big Gay Day – a day filled with fun, frivolity and a whole lot of colour. Featuring musical acts, drag extravaganzas and so much more rainbow love all in support of local LGBTQIA+ charities, Big Gay Day was established back in 2000 and continues to be one of the best celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Hundreds of acts have graced the Big Gay Day stage, including legends like Boy George, Sporty Spice and The Veronicas and funds raised go to support charities like The Queensland Aid Council, Brisbane Pride and Open Doors Youth Services.

2021 saw over 2,800 people attend, with 5,500 vodka lime sodas poured, 100 performers and entertainers employed and over $10,000 donated. And 2022 did not disappoint! On top of closing down an inner-city street for the day’s celebrations, Brisbane’s Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Sir Leo Hielscher and Town Hall were also all lit up in rainbow lights in honour of the event. And with over 3,500 tickets sold and almost 100 acts and performers on the day, 2022 was our largest event to date!

What’s next for The Wickham? Well, The old gal is also undergoing a major makeover, with 137 years of history and heritage-listed walls, we can’t wait for her doors to swing back open and throw an even bigger BGD next year! Read about what’s to come here.