Big Red Bash 2024: Hotly contested drag race raises money for Royal Flying Doctor Service

It might have been a chilly 6C on the ground, but the hotly contested Big Red Bash drag race produced some sizzlin’ sequined competition and a whole lot of money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. SEE THE PICTURES

The bee’s knees were on show.

A passionate group of “Prostate Princesses” took out the award for the best group costume at the annual Big Red Bash drag race, using their time in the spotlight to raise awareness for a deadly men’s cancer.

Shining a light on prostate cancer, the group encouraged men in the crowd to “not be afraid” to get their prostate checked.

“It’s a bit of pain for a lot of gain,” they said.

Colourful crowds at the Big Red Bash Drag Race.

Despite the glamour and colour, some competitors were noticeably shivering.

At only 6C, 411 Bashers stripped down to their undies and dressed up in sequins, velvet and glitter to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Chilly conditions didn’t stop a big turnout for the Drag Race.

The queens ran a roughly one kilometre course around the campgrounds, with Big Red Bash founder Greg Donovan joking that anyone completing the course in under four minutes would have run at a “cracking pace”.

Sequins and rainbow colours were the order of the day.

“They got a downhill start so that’s pretty fast,” he said.

“Everybody likes having a dress up and a bit of fun. It’s a fantastic part of the bash.”

There was no surf in sight, but it didn’t stop these Baywatch-inspired lifeguards from turning out.

The winner of the individual fastest time completed the race in just four minutes and 33 seconds.

The race is one of the highlights of the program at the Big Red Bash.

He said he had been working hard in training for the drag race after coming in 10th place just two years ago.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have 1000 beautiful ladies chasing behind me,” he joked.

Memorable costumes during this year’s race was a group of meter maids from the Gold Coast, Dame Edna inspired outfits and members of a local surf lifesaving club rescuing a blow up doll.

So far this year the Royal Flying Doctor Service has raised $73,000 through donations, race entry fees and a raffle.

Originally published as Big Red Bash 2024: Hotly contested drag race raises money for Royal Flying Doctor Service