Sweet Relief! Festival: Brisbane’s newest springtime spectacle blends music and fashion

Brisbane is gearing up for the state’s newest one-day music and fashion festival where ‘self-expression is applauded and togetherness celebrated’.

Queensland’s newest one-day party Sweet Relief! is set to make a splash as part of the inaugural Brisbane Music Trail next month.

Organisers have announced a vibrant line-up for the festival, which will feature Australian and international dance, electronic and live acts, including Groove Armada and The Avalanches.

The drag scene will be well-represented by queens like Beverley Kills of Rupaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Ruby Slippers, and Luna Thicc.

POOF DOOF Pride Patrol will also make its glittering Queensland debut at Sweet Relief! with iconic party-starting disc jockeys including Melbourne’s Argonaut and DJ Enn.

Organised by QLD Music Trails and Untitled Group, the masterminds behind festivals like Beyond The Valley, the September 16 event will also feature Australian exclusive headlining DJ sets and performances from Latifa Tee, Nina Las Vegas, Cut Copy, YO! Mafia, and Ladyhawke.

The music won’t be the only drawcard, with the festival, at the Maritime Green performance space on MacArthur Ave, Northshore Hamilton, also set to host Australia’s biggest dress up contest.

Jimi The Kween and back-up dancers Rose Hartigan and Amber Ivers atop Brisbane's Story Bridge announce the city's newest festival Sweet Relief! Picture: Markus Ravik.

Festival-goers are encouraged to flaunt their creativity and put their best foot forward on the Academy Award-style, 360-video catwalk.

Judged by popular presenter Osher Günsberg and drag superstar Jimi The Kween, the contest boasts a hefty prize pool of more than $15,000, including a luxury getaway to tropical Far North Queensland.

“Sweet Relief! is Australia’s biggest dress-up party, and for this gig – I get to be a judge,” Günsberg said.

“As a through and through Brizzo, I’m stoked to come home to see two of my all-time favourites, The Avalanches and Groove Armada.

“Whether you’re from Bris Vegas, Brio De Janero or Brisneyland – I’ll see you in Brisbane.”

Brisbane Music Trail is a collection of events happening in the river city this September, consisting of Sweet Relief!, Brisbane Festival and BIGSOUND.

The Brisbane debut for Qld Music Trails, Sweet Relief! is part of the Department of Tourism’s ‘Towards Tourism 2032’ roadmap for building new experiences for visitors to discover more of Queensland.

Registration for the costume competition is now open, with tickets Sweet Relief! tickets on sale at qldmusictrails.com.