As thousands of rugby fans prepare to descend on Hamilton for a major Chiefs game on April 18, a different kind of spectacle is set to unfold across town, promising an evening of joy, identity, and world-class performance. The city will play host to two very different crowds, one for the game and another for a show, both celebrating community and connection.
The inaugural Waikato Queer Arts Festival (WQAF) makes its debut this month, culminating in its headline event, The Royal Revue. This large-scale drag production will feature international stars from the global phenomenon RuPaul’s Drag Race, providing a glamorous alternative for a night out in Hamilton.
But the festival is more than just sequins and stage lights. For Festival Director Mel Martin-Booker, the event is the realisation of a deeply personal mission to foster visibility, create opportunities, and build a legacy for a new generation of queer youth in the Waikato.
A personal mission to open doors
The concept for the festival was born from a late-night conversation between Martin-Booker and one of the show’s headliners, Kween Kong. They discussed their shared experiences of growing up with limited resources and the profound impact of being given a chance to succeed.
“We talked about what it’s like to come from very little, and how much it matters when someone opens a door for you,” says Martin-Booker. This conversation became the driving force behind the festival’s ethos.
Martin-Booker sees the WQAF as a vehicle for creating those same opportunities for others. The festival aims to create a platform where young people can see themselves and their potential reflected, fostering a sense of belonging and validation. The arts, in this context, become a powerful tool for social change and personal empowerment.
If someone can sit in that audience and see themselves reflected on stage, or see someone powerful, confident, and celebrated, that can change the way they see the whole course of their future.
International stars and local talent unite
The Royal Revue will bring a roster of internationally acclaimed drag artists to the Waikato. Headliner Kween Kong will be joined by fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Kita Mean, Spankie Jackzon, and Anita Wigl’it. These performers have been instrumental in bringing drag from underground clubs to mainstream global stages, transforming it into a celebrated art form.
The rise of drag into popular culture showcases its power to tell stories, challenge norms, and celebrate individuality. Much like hit musicals have reframed historical narratives for modern audiences, drag offers a vibrant and dynamic medium for exploring identity, resilience, and community.
Crucially, the festival will not only spotlight these global stars but will also feature locally-bred performers on the same stage. This decision grounds the event firmly in the community it aims to serve, creating a bridge between local aspirations and international success. “We want people to feel proud that this festival exists here,” Martin-Booker says. “That this level of artistry, creativity, and expression belongs here too.”
A vibrant addition to Hamilton's culture
The scheduling of The Royal Revue opposite a home Chiefs game highlights the diverse cultural landscape of Hamilton. Martin-Booker emphasises that the goal isn’t to compete, but to show that different forms of community celebration can coexist and hold equal value. While rugby fosters connection through sport, the WQAF will do so through art and performance.
Hamilton is increasingly recognised as a hub for a wide array of fun and engaging events. The city’s calendar includes everything from the Women’s Lifestyle Expo, which draws around 180 companies to the Claudelands Events Centre, to the opening of the new Hamilton's new BNZ Theatre on Waikato riverfront. As New Zealand’s cities grow, developing a rich cultural scene is as vital as urban development, a trend also seen in larger centres like Auckland. The recent news that Momoa, Waititi and Curtis purchase West Auckland film studio also highlights the blossoming creative economy across the country.
The Waikato Queer Arts Festival is a significant addition to this vibrant scene, championing diversity and providing a platform for artistic expression that resonates with a broad audience. It represents a a cultural evolution, demonstrating that there is a strong appetite for events that celebrate a wide spectrum of identities and art forms.
For the festival director, the ultimate measure of success will be a shift in perception. “If people walk away feeling like queer arts and artists are as valuable as a home rugby game,” she says, “then I’ve done what I set out to do.”
The Royal Revue takes place on Saturday, 18 April. Tickets are available at wqaf.co.nz.
