S&M is for sequins and mascara…

Gallery Update

KNYSNA NEWS & VIDEO - Much ado was made about the theme of the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival 2018 when organisers announced the theme to be S&M – and printed a black invitation with the words "S&M" on it.

However, after much speculation and tongue wagging about the meaning of S&M really being sadism and masochism, the theme of the next 2018 Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival was revealed at the launch party held on 15 November.

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So what is the S&M theme all about? "Most people immediately think whips and chains, but it is actually sequins and mascara," revealed organiser John O'Neil, who said this year was going to be even more dazzling than ever.

Knysna municipal speaker Georlene Wolmarans, other dignitaries and locals were told at the launch of the 2018 Pink Loerie, held at Villa Castollini, about the theme and some of the plans for 2018, while entertainment by drag artist Corné as well as singers Tanja Storm and Bea Crawford kicked the event off.

"The Pink Loerie has become something of an institution in the Eden district of the Western Cape.

"It used to be held during the long weekend in April, but because so many events take place over the same period, the organising committee and Knysna Tourism Association sat down and looked at the calendar to find another date which is not as congested.

"After the devastating fires a few months ago, it is crucial that an event like this continues and helps the #KnysnaRises initiative," said O'Neil.

"The date next year will be from 24 to 27 May.

Hendrik Baird, station manager at GaySA Radio, publicist and media partner to this event, revealed the plans, stressing that some of these were still awaiting approval from the municipality.

"It all kicks off on Thursday 24 May with a cocktail party at Knysna Fine Art, where Petronel Baard will be performing. This will be followed by a Bears, Beer and Drag event at Mitchell's Breweries.

The newly refurbished Vinyl on Main (the old Club Zanzibar) will host the Meet and Greet party to make sure everybody knows each other to ensure maximum enjoyment of the weekend," said Baird.

The programme continues on the Friday with an outreach event at the Loeriehof old age home, Vermont retirement village, Paula Whitney crèche and Knysna Animal Welfare Society, followed by a lunchtime show presented by Storm Productions.

The VIP fundraising dinner and auction will be hosted at Villa Castollini, while the very popular Mr & Miss Gay Mardi Gras will take place at Vinyl on Main. This will be followed by the official S&M party at the same venue.

The Saturday kicks off with two events, being PinkFootFWD for Brenton, a fun morning filled with sports activities and music, as well as the Pink Loerie #KnysnaRises fundraising concert at Loerie Park, which will feature a number of drag acts and musicians, including rock outfit Rebel Remedy and artist Gaston.

This event is presented in association with Knysna Tourism, GaySA Radio, Storm Productions, CB Entertainment and Mix Academy Entertainment. The very popular street parade starts at 15:00 and will move from Queen Street to Pledge Square and back, hopefully followed by a street party (if the Knysna council agrees to it).

The Drydock Food Co will host an After Parade Sunset Ibiza Party for the more mature in the crowd, while the official afterparty is at Vinyl on Main.

Plans are afoot for a mini gospel show on the Sunday. GaySA Radio is also planning to bring a few theatre performances to the event, and more details about these will be released in due course.

Watch a video below: