Polly Petrie is crossing the ditch for the birthday bash Auckland's loudest and proudest drag diva Miss Ribena has a clear message to everyone heading to Family's sixth birthday party on Sunday: get there early. Last year's celebrations left a line of people curling down K' Rd as they tried to get into the packed Auckland club. Fresh renovations are to be revealed on Sunday night, including a brand spanking new tavern next door which will be the new week-day staple, leaving Family to open just on the big nights of the week. There will be a special special guests' shindig in the new digs at 5pm, while the rest of Family's friends and supporters are welcome to join the party from 6pm. "Get there at 5.45pm," Miss Ribena warns. "Otherwise you'll probably be stuck waiting to get in when the shows start at 7.30pm." As always the queen of K' Rd will put on a right royal show, starting with a free vodka cocktail and from shirtless bartenders upon arrival, to get the punters lubricated for a night of drag mayhem, headlined by Polly Petrie who is jetting over from Sydney's Stonewall especially for the big birthday bash. Miss Mole will make an appearance, Miss Cindy and Miss Naomi are travelling up from Christchurch, while some of Hamilton's drag divas will also be there. "Twelve drag shows have been confirmed so far," Miss Ribena says. "We'll have a mix of shows, I just told the girls 'whatever you want to do, do it!' "It'll be a party to remember, with a boat theme and decorations galore and three DJs," she gushes. "It's open to everyone but get there to quarter to six. Last year it was packed." So remember the message from Miss Ribena: "Get there early!" You have been warned! Jacqui Stanford - 27th August 2011