After two decades of delivering top-tier entertainment followed by a three-year hiatus, the LGBTQIA+ community is eagerly anticipating the return of the Mother City Queer Project (MCQP).
This South African annual extravaganza is set to welcome party enthusiasts back to Cape Town on 16 December at the Cabo Beach Club. The theme for this year is ‘Back to the Future.’
As per IOL, since its inception in 1994, MCQP has drawn hundreds of individuals from across Mzansi. Under new management led by Southern Live Events, this year’s theme invites the community and its allies to embark on a time-travelling journey. It’s an opportunity to relive moments of the past, celebrate the present and explore the future, which is an integral part of South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ heritage.
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Andre Vorster and Andrew Putter originally created MCQP as a platform for the queer community to express themselves through creative attire in a welcoming environment that encouraged self-expression. MCQP has featured an array of themes, encouraging attendees to push their creative boundaries.
The event has a reputation for its diversity with a side of wonderful outrageousness, and this year’s ‘Back to the Future’ is open to interpretation by attendees. The possibilities are endless, whether you choose to embrace Victorian steampunk, get groovy with a disco-inspired ensemble or step into the future with a cyberpunk look.
Ronen Klugman, co-founder of Southern Live, expressed his excitement about taking the reins of MCQP: ‘As new owners of MCQP, we are excited to embark on this journey, especially since this event holds a very special and important place in South Africa’s history by providing the LGBTQIA+ community with a platform to express themselves. We want to go back to the roots of collaboration and celebration and are excited to welcome everyone home.’
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According to Klugman, Cabo Beach Club will be transformed into a realm where the past, present and future collide in a spectacular explosion of nostalgia and imagination.
‘For over two decades, MCQP has been South Africa’s premier costume and LGBTQIA+ celebration, and this year patrons are invited to relive the magic of previous eras and themes, all while gazing forward into the unknown,’ Klugman explained to IOL.
‘This event is more than just a party; it’s a celebration of South Africa’s diverse community, a welcoming home, a showcase of creativity and a chance to honour the event’s collective past while embracing a thrilling future together in a safe space.’
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Patrons can expect an exhibition of entertainment, live performances and refreshments as they drink in the festivities throughout the night.
Previous themes have included ‘Bollywood,’ ‘The Love Ball,’ ‘Drag Race,’ and many more.
This year, the proceeds from the event will take the form of a donation drive for Passop, a community-based non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting African LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants.
Details:
- Date: 16 December 2023 | 12pm to 2am
- Location: Cabo Beach Club | 12 South Arm Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Cost: R350
- Tickets: Howler (Tickets will be available for purchase soon)
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Tracing the journey of LGBTQ+ rights in Cape Town and South Africa
Picture: Matthew LeJune / Unsplash