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It’s the week before ChillOut, as the sun shines a rainbow coloured light over our busy little village.
Locals gay, straight and queer busy themselves with last minute preparations.
It’s going to be a big year and Daylesford is buzzing.
The original idea of ChillOut was for people to come and "ChillOut" in the country after the big summer LGBTIQ party season.
ChillOut offers an authentic country experience, set in a village atmosphere.
The gays literally take over the village. It’s a warm safe and friendly environment, charged with excitement and pride.
ChillOut has remained true to its roots.
This year's 18th birthday has us coming of age and with even more of an excuse to celebrate to the theme of Queer Country Pride - think cowboy boots, big hats and even bigger hair.
There is such a strong and inclusive sense of community that a lot of LGBTIQ people choose to settle in the area, as did we.
Same sex parents choose the region to raise their families.
For myself, having the festival so well established and supported by the community sits as a kind of beacon over the region and highlights it as a safe place in which you can be yourself.
Whatever that is, this is a time many rural LGBTIQ people choose to come out.
● Bluehouse – by Rude Bookings and ChillOut Daylesford Town Hall Friday, doors open 7pm
● Slowest Lunch at the Argus Peppers Springs Retreat Friday, 12.30pm to 4pm
● ChillOut Bush Dance Daylesford Town Hall Saturday, doors open 8pm
● LOL Big Gay Comedy Nights Convent Gallery Saturday, Sunday, 6.45pm both days
● Short Fuse Films Daylesford Cinema Saturday, 5pm and 8pm
● Cream at the Old Hepburn Old Hepburn Hotel Saturday, 4pm to midnight
● Bromely & Co Feast At East East Street Saturday and Monday, 11am to 7pm
● Sunset Drinks Daylesford Hotel Friday, 6pm to 10pm
● Yard Party Daylesford Hotel Saturday, Sunday, 5pm to 11pm both days
● Out Open Yoga 67 Vincent Street North Saturday, 5pm to 7pm
● We Are Family Queer Families 2015 Daylesford Neighbourhood Saturday, 2pm to 3.30pm Centre
● Ballarat Roller Derby Daylesford ARC Saturday, 2pm to 4pm
● Scenic Morning Bush Walk Jubilee Lake Holiday Park Saturday, 10am to 1pm
● Can Twisted Rodeo Old Hepburn Hotel Saturday, 11.30am to 2pm
● Rainbow Mineral Water Bathing Hepburn Bathhouse Friday, Sat and Sun, 5.30pm to 8pm all days
● Breakfast Yoga in the Park Hepburn Bathhouse Sunday 8am, Monday 9am
● High Tea on the Line Daylesford Spa Country Railway Saturday, 11.30am, 2pm and 4.30pm
● Community Golf Tournament Hepburn Springs Golf Club Saturday, 12.30pm
● Dolly Diamond at Grange Bellinzona Grange Bellinzona Saturday, 7.30pm dinner 9pm show
● Honk Tonk Woman Old Hepburn Hotel Sunday, 7pm to 11pm
● Daniel Witthaus Daylesford Library Saturday, 1pm to 2pm
● ChillOut Street Parade Vincent Street Daylesford Sunday, 10am
● ChillOut Carnival Day Victoria Park Daylesford Sunday, 11am to 6pm
● Blastoff Perfect Drop Friday, 12pm to 1pm
● Sun-kissed Perfect Drop Sunday, 12pm to 1pm
● Liquid Dreams Perfect Drop Saturday, 12pm to 1pm
● ChillOut Dance Party Daylesford Town Hall Sunday, 8pm to 3am
● Rainbow Story Time Daylesford Library Saturday, 10.30am
● ChillOut Mass Christ Church Anglican Church Saturday, 5pm to 6.30pm
● Recovery Brunch Daylesford Hotel Monday , 12pm to 4pm
