With a week of events still to be unveiled – including this year’s headline act, Patti LuPone – Adelaide Cabaret Festival has announced that Virginia Gay will return to the role of Artistic Director in 2025.

Gay said she was “absurdly honoured” to continue her stewardship of the festival in what will be its 25th anniversary year.

“This wonderful festival fills my heart so deeply and so truly, and it has been such a delight to tumble out into the foyers with you, see you glittering in all your finery, and excitedly jump up and down with you about what we’ve just seen,” said Gay.

“I am first and foremost a fan of this festival, and of the spirit of adventure and enthusiasm that runs in the veins of our audiences.”

Virginia Gay. Photo supplied

Promising to deliver a festival that would “blow your socks off”, Gay was appointed to the Artistic Directorship in 2023. Previous Artistic Directors of the Festival include Julia Holt, David Campbell and Lisa Campbell, Kate Ceberano, Eddie Perfect, Ali McGregor, Julia Zemiro, Alan Cumming and Tina Arena.

Widely known for her TV work, Gay came to the role...