In line with their historic commitment to progress, Johnnie Walker is celebrating the strength and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, alongside those brave enough to be taking their first steps this Mardi Gras by hosting a Debutante Ball for First Timers. A first of its kind, the Mardi Gras Debutante Ball will give First Timers a fabulous debut alongside thousands from their community, as well as the trailblazers who have walked before them.

The Mardi Gras Debutante Ball by Johnnie Walker will subvert the conservative roots of the traditional ‘Debutante Ball’ by transforming iconic Darlinghurst venue, Kinselas Hotel, into a grand space full of pomp and ceremony, an inclusive space for all queer identities.

Ahead of the dazzling festivities, Johnnie Walker has partnered with the much-loved Australian singer, actress and Mardi Gras first timer, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, to inspire First Timers across the country to attend.

LGBTQIA+ community trailblazers and Mardi Gras custodians will also be in attendance, including 78er and LGBTQIA+ advocate Robyn Kennedy, who is an original first-timer having attended the first ever Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1978. Other notable trailblazers in attendance include Making It Australia judge, Benja Harney, and pioneering queer fashion designers, Katie Louise Nicol-Ford and Lilian Nicol-Ford.

In addition to being a guest of honour at the Deb Ball, Natalie Bassingthwaighte will be performing some of her all-time favourite hits to kick off the celebrations, while sharing her story as part of her partnership with Johnnie Walker.

The Debutante Ball will be hosted Aysha Buffet & Jenna Suffern with performances from DJ Sveta, Nefertiti LaNegra and Marlena Dalí. A grand celebration will follow, taking over three levels of the iconic Kinselas Hotel.

Event Information

Venue: Kinselas Hotel 383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst NSW

Date: Thursday, 22nd February 2024

Time: Johnnie Walker Gold Carpet Arrivals from 6:30pm

Tickets: $25 + booking fee

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Equality Australia, a national organisation dedicated to equality for LGBTIQ+ people. Equality Australia combines legal, policy and campaigning expertise with thousands of supporters to ensure LGBTIQ+ people are treated with dignity and respect.

Dress Code
Think Debutante gown meets Met Gala on the way to the Mardi Gras parade. Is that a pink sequin tuxedo we see? Feathers, silk, butterflies and pattern-clash, makeup and hair for the gods. It's your time to let your radical identity shine through. Your looks will be captured on the Johnnie Walker Debutante Ball gold carpet, so make it count!

Please drink responsibly.

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