Palmerston North is set to come alive with colour, glamour and fabulous performances as the Palmy Drag Fest returns for its fourth year from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 October. Henrique Beirao, AKA the dazzling drag queen Rhubarb Rouge, the mastermind behind Palmy Drag Fest, shares the personal stories that have shaped this remarkable event.
A Growing Festival of Fabulousness
From its humble beginnings in 2021 at the small Globe Theatre, fitting just 200 people, the Palmy Drag Fest has grown exponentially. “We moved to the Regent on Broadway, selling out for one night only, and last year, we sold out again and turned it into a full festival,” Rhubarb Rouge shares with a beaming smile. This year’s festival promises to be the most fabulous yet, featuring classic events like Drag Bingo and the NZ premiere of Spankie Jackzon’s solo show ‘Just The Tip’. The Rainbow Fair and the Extravaganza Eleganza drag show gala are also set to be major highlights.
Unforgettable Memories and Challenges
Reflecting on the past festivals, Rhubarb Rouge highlights the backstage camaraderie and the months of rehearsals with the team as some of the most cherished memories. “The love and standing ovation for Spankie Jackzon when she first performed at Drag Fest after winning Drag Race Down Under was unforgettable,” she recalls. However, organising such a grand event comes with its challenges. “Each year gets harder because the workload always doubles. It’s a lot of work looking for sponsors, applying for funding and putting ideas together,” she explains, emphasising the crucial support from the community and a strong team to make it all happen.
The Birth of Palmy Drag Fest
The inspiration behind Palmy Drag Fest was Rhubarb Rouge’s desire to expose the local community to drag and bring in big names to help the local scene grow. “I wanted to expose the community to drag – bring the big guns of drag so the local community could learn and grow from them,” she explains. Despite the challenges, Palmy’s unique charm and the unwavering support from the local community made it the perfect location for this festival. “Palmy has a lot to offer that people don’t know, and the love and support from the community is what made it easier to do this festival here rather than in Auckland or Wellington.”
Impact on the Community
Palmy Drag Fest has had a significant impact on the local and wider community. “It has become a must-see on the city’s calendar that everyone looks forward to,” Rhubarb Rouge proudly states. The festival has sparked an interest in drag, leading to the emergence of new drag performers in Palmy. “We want to support them and see them grow. After all, we want to make Palmy the capital of drag in NZ,” she declares passionately. The festival has also educated the wider community about drag as an art form, as demonstrated by the impressive ticket sales and the enthusiastic participation of locals and visitors alike.
Personal Journey and Inspirations
Henrique Beirao’s journey to becoming Rhubarb Rouge is as inspiring as it is fascinating. Born in Brazil, he moved to New Zealand at age 13. “My mum met a Kiwi and got a job. The job worked, the Kiwi didn’t!” he jokes. His introduction to drag came through a chance encounter with a fellow performer, and the rest is history. “I met this boy named Daniel in a club, and on Saturday, he was in full drag and said, ‘Hello, I’m Lady Trenyce! We became best friends, and I got the drag-itis!”
Rhubarb’s first foray into drag was filled with nerves and excitement. “I was in the back of [short-lived Wellington gay bar] Imerst, starting to get ready for my first-ever drag show with a vodka Red Bull in hand. Ellie Kat came in and helped me be Rhubarb for the first time and made me feel beautiful,” she reminisces. The transformative power of drag – wearing makeup and wigs to bring characters to life – is a magical experience for Rhubarb Rouge.
Challenges in the Dating World
While drag brings joy and fulfilment, it has also presented challenges in Rhubarb Rouge’s personal life. “Being a big guy and doing drag is not exactly a huge attraction in the gay community,” she admits. Despite the struggles, she remains hopeful and open to finding love, humorously suggesting she could star in a new reality show, ‘Looking for Love is a Drag!’
Supporting Palmy Drag Fest
For those looking to support Palmy Drag Fest, the best way is by purchasing tickets and attending the events. “We can grow every year more and make it bigger and more fabulous!” Rhubarb Rouge encourages. Sponsorships are also welcomed, with various packages available to tailor specific needs. She advises those travelling to Palmy for the festival to book accommodations early, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Palmy Drag Fest 2024 will feature a packed schedule of events and performances by some of the most renowned drag artists, including Drag Race alum Hannah Conda. This festival is not to be missed. As Rhubarb Rouge puts it, “We are here to let people know that it is okay to be themselves and love who they are!”
For more information and to get involved, visit palmydrag.com and join in the fabulous fun!
