Oxford Street drag competition Slay 2 Stay will return for its sixth season this October, Universal Sydney has announced.
The 12-week competition will this year shift from its previous weeknight schedule to Friday nights, beginning on October 3. Shows will start at 7.30pm in the Universal Superclub, where organisers say a larger stage and bigger production will be possible. Sanctuary, the venue’s existing club night, will act as its afterparty.
Hosted again by Carmen Geddit and Charisma Belle, the competition will continue to feature drag performances, challenges and weekly prizes.
The overall winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize sponsored by Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, as well as a paid trip to perform at “Gaydream Island” – an event taking place on Queensland’s Daydream Island in 2026 – through a partnership with LGBTQIA+ travel agency Planetdwellers.
Universal said additional weekly prizes would be offered by both local and well-known brands, with details to be released closer to launch.
The first event on October 3 will also double as Universal’s seventh birthday celebration.
Slay 2 Stay’s return will be welcome news for drag performers seeking somewhere to showcase their talents and potentially win some cash along the way. In March, Universal axed Slay 2 Stay’s then-weekly sister competition Slay 4 Pay.
That announcement came amid an uncertain future for Oxford Street, especially on weekdays, with Stonewall closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Arq also shut around the same time and rebranded as Aura.
Those wishing to apply to be in Slay 2 Stay can do so by visiting tinyurl.com/335p847h.
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: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
