The Port Douglas Hot & Steamy Festival will be back in 2021 bigger, bolder and sweatier than ever.

After an exceptional 2020 event, Directors of the Hot and Steamy Festival, Nathan Clarke and Jason Penrose, are now in advanced planning stages for the 2021 festival, with the calendar date being locked in for February 19 -21, two weeks before the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

“There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a very strange and difficult year for many people,” said Nathan Clarke, Hot & Steamy Festival Director.

“However, we are delighted to confirm that we are able to go ahead with the 2021 festival. In a time of some uncertainty, we can absolutely confirm that February in the tropics will bigger, bolder and sweatier than ever.

“We have a calendar of events that will showcase the best of Port Douglas and its surrounds, including an opening long lunch, a sunset dance party overlooking the Coral Sea, a sunset cruise, a pool party, special entertainment guests and, of course, the opportunity to experience two incredible World Heritage Listed areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.”

Backing up the success of their first year, the 2021 Hot & Steamy Festival will again feature an exceptional line up of entertainment including drag-cabaret extravaganza show ‘After Dark’, local and national DJs in high rotation all weekend including Just Andy DJ (Thirsty, ReefBeat, Crystalbrook Collection residency) and DJ Vincible (Sleazeball, Solstice).

Outside of the legendary Sydney Mardi Gras, the Hot and Steamy Festival has positioned itself as the only major LGBTQI+ festival in Australia this summer.

With events set in iconic spots all around the picturesque town of Port Douglas including Salsa Bar & Grill (TITT Lunch), The Sugar Wharf (Sunset T-Dance) , ZINC Restaurant & Bar (Get Lei’d Luau) and Niramaya Villas & Spa (SOAKED Pool Party), the weekend’s events are set to raise the bar high for 2021 festivities, acting as an excellent precursor to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr has been a supporter of the event since its inception and believes the event to be a welcomed drawcard to the region for 2021.

“I am ecstatic to see the Hot and Steamy Festival locked in for 2021,” Mayor Kerr said.

“Not only does this LGBTQI+ event celebrate diversity and inclusivity, it also provides a vital economic lift for our region during a traditionally quieter period.

“Council is a proud supporter of this fantastic event, and I look forward to seeing it continue to bring more vibrancy to our Shire and more people through the front doors of local businesses.”

Tickets to events will be on sale in November.

For up to date information and ticket purchase, head to www.pdhotsteamy.com.au or to Facebook/Instagram @pdhotsteamy.