Queer Party Cape Town 2006

Cape Town jollers are rubbing their hands in anticipation of this year's Mother City Queer Project party, which will have the theme Comic Strip.

The gay, straight and undecided will party up a storm again on December 16.

The theme, chosen by the event's four directors, was announced to a cheering crowd last night at the Cruz nightclub in Green Point.

"The theme was chosen because it has a double meaning," said director Richard Gradner.


Creative director Peter Hayes added: "It's a truly in-spiring theme, one where you can either dress up or take it all off - both popular options at MCQP."

Gradner said they were hoping to hold the party at Ratanga Junction, last year's venue.

Tickets will cost R100 until September 15, rising to R150 until the end of October. From November tickets will sell for R200, and they will be R350 at the door.

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The Gay Action Group has slammed police action over the weekend following this year's Mother City Queer Project party.

In a letter addressed to the media and mayor Helen Zille, two founders of the Gay Action Group said they had found the police action "appalling".

They claim police specifically targeted city clubs hosting unofficial after-parties for the gay community.

The letter, signed by Frank Passano and Keith Dawson, said: "The MCQP party, an annual income generator for Cape Town, has been negatively influenced by the action of the police. They have closed down all party venues (Chrome, Opium, Bronx and Cruz) without due reason."

They said police had not given a valid reason for the closures and had not produced documents supporting their actions.

Chrome's after-party was raided by police and patrons were thrown out just after 4am.

Guests had arrived for the planned party at 3am.

The owner of Chrome made this venue available from 4am on Saturdays and Sundays mornings for the gay community after the closure of Sliver.

"However, he canceled this with immediate effect as it was the first time the SAPS raided his premises. Suddenly his club, Chrome, has become the latest target of the police".

Gay club Sliver had been closed after police raided it several times for operating after 4am.