Words by Anthea Riskas Images supplied
Since debuting in Melbourne in 1988, Midsumma Festival has evolved into an internationally recognised, queer cultural institution, renowned for representing and gathering the best and most diverse LGBTQIA+ artists, performers and audiences as part of their programming.
With the organisation’s renewed strategic focus on increasing engagement across broad sectors of the community, this year’s events extend far beyond the city and the 2023 line-up has been heavily funded to include the Regions.
Some towns have been working on their involvement and projects since November 2022, so now it’s time to hit the road and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities statewide!
Ballarat
The Frolic Festival is jamming 12 events, into 4 days, across Ballarat that range from cabaret to Indigenous-led bushwalks, history tours, a warehouse party and much more.
Frolic warmly welcomes youth, ND folk and any solo attendees, as well as organising return transport for locals who want to take part in Victoria’s Pride street party in Fitzroy on Sunday 12th February.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Frolic Festival
WHERE: At various locations across Ballarat
WHEN: 9 – 12 Feb 2023
MORE INFO: Frolic Festival
Traralgon
Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc presents the first ever, family-friendly, 1-day, outdoor festival Gippsland’s Day Out!
This celebration of Gippy’s LGBTQIA+ community will play host to two stages of live music and DJs, Drag shows, kids’ entertainment and activities, as well as providing an indoor sensory chillout space and food and drink vendors from around the region.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Gippsland’s Day Out
WHERE: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre
WHEN: 11 Feb 2023
MORE INFO: Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc
Shepparton
In another first, GV Pride are hosting Shepparton’s Inaugural Pride Ball and with a “Glitz and Glamour” dress code, guests can be sure to enjoy a fabulous and fun night that includes live Drag entertainment, a two-course meal and DJs to help dance the night away.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Pride Ball
WHERE: The Woolshed, Kialla
WHEN: 11 Feb 2023
MORE INFO: Humanitix
Morwell
VACCA presents Queer & Koorie: A Showcase of LGBTQIA+ Mob, a multi-generational and family-friendly day of connection and storytelling through art, music and creativity.
This event will create a safe, inclusive, accessible and sustainable space aiming to bring together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ community with wider Community and allies, to enjoy traditional dance and other Cultural activities like basket weaving and painting.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Queer & Koorie: A Showcase of LGBTQIA+ Mob
WHERE: Morwell Town Common (Elgin Street)
WHEN: 4 Feb 2023
MORE INFO: Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc
For the full rundown of Regional events head to Midsumma Festival.
We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
