The competition was founded by Port Macquarie drag entertainers Misty Boxx and Arie Ola in 2018, and was first held in the town the next year, with Bathurst's own Betty Confetti placing second.

And with a date finalised [September 4] and tickets now on sale for the event's second iteration, Miss Boxx said Bathurst can expect "a big, campy, colourful, fun and loud night."

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"We started this competition to showcase regional LGBTQIA+ events and give drag entertainers from all walks of life the opportunity to show their talent," she said.

"The success of the inaugural event has allowed us to make it an annual event, and on the back of what Betty has helped nurture here in Bathurst regarding LGBTQIA+ events, we feel it's an ideal host city."

Miss Confetti, who will host the event, said the competition involves a mix of categories, including runway segments and comedy rounds, and is confident the event will be well attended by the community.

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"The first event played a crucial role in pushing myself forward as a drag entertainer, and I wanted to attract the event here to further showcase the diversity in drag entertainment," she said.

"Since competing, I've found myself being offered so many more gigs [I'm booked out until December], so it goes to show Bathurst's appreciation for LGBTQIA+ culture is on the rise, and it can only get better from here."

Miss Ola said drag entertainment has expanded outside the more common 'drag queen' personas in recent years to include other styles.

"There's also bio queen [female-identifying women who dress up as drag queens], drag king [mostly females who dress up as men] and androgynous performers: that's why we call it a drag competition rather than a drag queen competition," she said.

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The event will feature a diverse cast of 11 contestants from across Australia, as well as high profile drag entertainer Art Simone and local LGBTQIA+ identity Andy Wheeler as judges.

Panthers Bathurst marketing manager Ben McGrath said the venue is excited to host the event.

"We feel this will be the most spectacular event we'll hold this year, and we warmly invite the community to get involved," Mr McGrath said.

Tickets are available via Ticketek. For more information, visit www.australiasgotdrag.com or the Facebook page.

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