Iconic 90s Club to celebrate milestone in Melbourne/Naarm Queer History

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the notorious Tasty Raid, an event that forever changed Melbourne/Naarm's LGBTQI+ history. On this landmark occasion, the iconic 90s queer nightclub, Tasty, will be honoured with a spectacular one-night celebration on Saturday, August 10 at Inflation, bringing together the community to remember and rejoice.

The Tasty Raid occurred in 1994, when 467 patrons of Tasty were unjustly strip-searched by Victoria Police. The raid, later deemed unlawful, sparked international outrage and became a pivotal moment in Australia's LGBTQI+ history, often likened to the Stonewall uprising in the United States.

To commemorate this significant event, a fabulous evening has been planned at Inflation, one of Melbourne/Naarm's most renowned party venues. Tasty co-founder and DJ Gavin Campbell has reunited with long-time collaborators Gerard O'Connor and Jono Francisco to curate an event that spans four fantastic levels, including the venue's rooftop bar, Top Yard. Each level will be brimming with vibrant queer energy and entertainment.

The night will be soundtracked by three of Tasty's original 90s DJ legends, along with two 21st-century DJ additions and two current local favourites. Live performances throughout the evening will add to the excitement, making the Tasty Raid 30th anniversary the most talked-about club event of 2024.

Highlights of the night include an exclusive three-hour back-to-back set by original Tasty resident DJs Peter McNamara and Gavin Campbell, followed by another original 90s Tasty DJ, Arlen de Silva. Also performing is DJ legend Debra Walters, whose debut set at the Tasty Raid 20th anniversary in 2014 is still remembered fondly. Current Melbourne/Naarm favorites Hip Hop Hoe (Pony Club Gym) and Sugar Plump Fairy, the mastermind behind the quarterly dance sensation Bruno, will also grace the decks.

Inflation's ground-level cafe area will transform into a late-night performance space, featuring an extravaganza of queer talent, film and video screenings, and DJ Philvester, another eclectic Tasty favorite.

In the 1990s, Tasty introduced the concept of a safe, consensual play area/darkroom to Melbourne/Naarm nightclubs, infamously dubbed The Grope Maze. The Tasty Raid 30th Anniversary event will also include this feature, spanning the entire Inflation basement, created exclusively for Tasty by legendary Trough X producer and designer, Nik Dimopoulos.

This historic and inclusive celebration honouring Melbourne/Naarm's LGBTQI+ community is a not-to-be missed event.

Media contact (for interviews, images, media accreditation):
Erin Jameson  |  erin(at)jamesonandco(dot)com  |  +61 419 323 663

Event Details:

Tasty Raid 30th Anniversary (18+)
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Venue: Inflation, 60 King Street, Melbourne (rear entry via Geddes Lane)
Tickets: $40/$50
Book through Humanitix