Live out your naughty fairy tale fantasy at the 19th annual MCQP in Cape Town on Saturday, December 15, 2012. Photo courtesy MCQP

Once upon a time, in an inspirational city by the sea, thousands of princes and princesses-to-be gathered for one magical night to attend the biggest lifestyle ball of them all... the Mother City Queer Project!

Event director Ian McMahon and his trustworthy fairies will make wishes come true with the 19th Mother City Queer Project (MCQP), aptly themed Fairytale Fantasy, at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

Drawing inspiration from the spate of fantastical movies and series based on children’s bedtime stories that have been released over the past year, including Snow White and the Huntsman, Mirror Mirror, Once Upon A Time as well as Disney characters, this year’s event is sure to awaken the Sleeping Beauties, Snow Whites, Prince Charmings and Aladdins in ardent MCQP attendees.

“We’re thrilled to announce this year’s theme and believe that party goers and fantasy seekers will enjoy it from once-upon-a-time to happily-ever-after. We’ve decided to bring the party back to the Cape Town Stadium. Its structure and indoor facilities itself are magical,” says McMahon.

Like the striking castles of our beloved tales, the Cape Town Stadium, which was the venue for the 2010 Flower Power MCQP, is set to be transformed into a fortress of wonder.

No storybook shindig is complete without entertainment and the line-up of performers is nothing short of magical: prepare to be enchanted by the likes of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry, who is taking a break from his Las Vegas show Divas Las Vegas to cast a spell on MCQP fans, while international and local DJs will also grace the seven dance floors and four experiential areas, each with its own theme and music style.

For the evil queens and big bad wolves among us, who deem themselves too fabulous to party with the village people, VIP tickets are available, which entitle you to priority parking, access to a massage area and entrance to an exclusive lounge and bar area where you’ll be treated to complimentary drinks. There will also be a VIP Dance Floor with the best in uplifting beats.

There are 18 Privé Suites, fit for folklore royalty, decorated with lush and comfortable furnishings, equipped with a complimentary mini bar and stacked with delicious snacks. Each suite holds 20 visitors, and their VIP access is included in the price.

You, of course, needn’t wait for your fairy godmother (or father) to wave her magic wand and transform you into the belle of the ball. Whip up your own enchanting costume or visit any of the following novelty stores in Cape Town:

This is not a post office

Location: 114 Kloof Street, Tamberskloof
Contact: +27 (0)21 423 7817
Website: www.madamezingara.com/thisisnotapostoffice.com

Mardi Gras costume & dress hire

Location: 190 Bree Street, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 424 9716
Website: www.mardi.co.za

King cake

Location: Corner Breda and Mill Streets, Gardens
Contact: +27 (0)21 461 9448
Website: www.kingcake.co.za

Slip your feet into a pair of glass slippers, secure your tiara on your royal mane and purchase your tickets to the most charming ball of the year, MCQP, at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at www.mcqp.co.za.