Over 5000 people attended the Jaytex FabALICE event. Electric Fields played their first live performance since being named Australia’s entry to Eurovision 2024 and crowd favourite Rhonda Burchmore included a couple of ABBA numbers from Mamma Mia. Drag Territory delivered a stellar performance and stunning new costumes.

Jaytex FabALICE ran from 7th to 10th March with a spectacular collection of comedy, cabaret, music and drag shows bringing people together to experience our rich arts, culture and entertainment. Outstanding talent line up also included: The Huxleys, Freddie Merkin, Estelle, DJ Jacqui Cunningham, Victoria Mami, Donnie Piccolo, Geraldine Hickey, Consantina Bush, Miss First Nations – Cerulean and Ru Paul Down Under runnerup plus DragNationAUS winner Kween Kong.

Jaytex FabALICE program for 2024 included SOLD OUT events, exclusive performances and a Bingo Hall that would have been the envy of Rooty Hill RSL. Fastest for 2024 were the Launch of a Priscilla Bar and Festival Hub, the interactive movie screening of The Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert and the Hosted Budget Barbie Camper Town Tours.

The community celebration stage show in Todd Mall and night markets was a huge hit with 2500 turning up and Drag Queen Storytime attracted over 220 attendees across two shows. Party Passport also delivered the largest Drag Queen Bingo Megga Draw Alice has ever held with 500 participants and over 5,000 worth of prizes.

Event Manager Dale McIver said the event is not without it’s challenges however the decision was made that the show must go on and finding a balance to keeping community events viable and affordable is critical. With the cost of living, increased fees and charges and production, McIver said “Two free community events were sadly cancelled this year, a decision that was not taken lightly by the fabALICE Board. They were The Priscilla Street Parade and the Family Fun day. These events attract costs to put them on. The hard decision on this was based around a budget savings measure, aiming at the financial viability and future of the Festival. Nine other free events across the four day festival were delivered and very positive feedback was received by them. These included the Night Markets and Family night, Drag Queen Storytime, Youth Diversity, Sexual and Gender Diversity workshop and five performances at The Priscilla Bar including Drag Queen and Drag Kings shows and DJ’s playing. Most of the other ticketed events SOLD OUT on the night and all the performers sent raving reviews of their FAB-experience.”

Stuart Ord who is Chair and has been involved in the FabALICE Committee since the inception said “We also thank Jaytex as our festival naming sponsor, NT Major Events, Imparja and all of our wonderful participating sponsors who have supported us for years to make this not-for-profit event possible.This year’s line-up was full of talented acts and an amazing weekend of fun, colour and a touch Priscilla in the desert. FabALICE unites an entire community and you can’t put a price on that.” Jaytex FabALICE was the perfect event to kick off Festivals in Central Australia for 2024.