Sydney LGBTQIA+ dance festival RAYDIA has cancelled its 2026 return only weeks after tickets went on sale.
The announcement on Monday comes a week after Gay Sydney News asked festival owner Alex Daoust, on November 30, why tickets to the 2026 event had been pulled from sale around November 28 – less than 10 days after pre-sale tickets were released on November 19.
Daoust has not returned Gay Sydney News’ requests for comment by email or text. He recently listed his inner-city apartment for a six-week rental and is believed to be travelling overseas.
"It's with a heavy heart that we share the news that RAYDIA 2026 will not be moving forward," RAYDIA said on its Instagram account on Monday.
"Over the past months, our team has poured everything into building a festival that could bring our community together in a way that felt bold, joyful, and truly global.
"But despite our best efforts, we're unable to guarantee the delivery of a 2026 event. Everyone who purchased tickets to RAYDIA 2026 will receive a full refund.
"To everyone who believed in this vision – from our artists and partners to every single person who planned to join us – thank you.
"Your excitement, your energy, and your support have meant the world. Thank you for understanding, and for being part of the journey."
Held at The Domain in Sydney on November 15, the event was headlined by Cascada, alongside Filipino drag performer Marina Summers and DJs Dan Slater, Manuel Coby, Bryant and Ana Julieta.
While police told Gay Sydney Daily that Raydia's November event drew 4120 people, Daoust's previous event at the same location – the Sydney WorldPride Domain Dance Party in 2023, where he served as executive producer – attracted more than 21,000 attendees.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: [email protected]
