Premium Content:

Melbourne's Midsumma announces 2017 program

Midsumma Carnival Promo Image_image by Coal PhotographyMelbourne’s Midsumma Festival have just announced their program for 2017.

Every January for three decades, Midsumma Festival has transformed Melbourne into a spectacular explosion of colour and culture, celebrating the diversity, resilience and talent bursting from within its LGBTIQA+ communities.

- Advertisement -

The Midsumma Festival cultivates queer perspectives and creates experiences that flip the status quo – all made possible through the annual open access Festival program.

Three fabulous weeks of culture will be punctuated by no less than three signature free outdoor events.

Midsumma Carnival kicks off the first weekend, Midsumma Pride March solidifies the solidarity mid-weekend, and for the first time, a new-art party Midsumma Horizon, promises a finishing weekend not to forget at Testing Grounds tucked away in Melbourne’s arts precinct near Southbank.

High-octane theatre, burlesque to brusque cabaret, music, dance, film, talks, sports, Hubs and social events  – the program comprises more than 130 events created, installed or performed by over 1200 culture-makers, in more than 70 venues and outdoor spaces in 2017.

The robust 2017 visual arts program once again includes the Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize. There is plenty of pure entertainment on offer, a myriad of events designed to push and provoke, as well as a broad range of social, free and/or family events.

Midsumma Chair, John Caldwell said the festival has grown from where it began in the 1980s.

“From small beginnings as GayDay in the 80s, Midsumma Festival has evolved into a highlight of the Melbourne arts and cultural scene. In 2017 we aim to provide a stronger platform for all of Melbourne’s queer communities to have a voice, and to celebrate that expression together.” Caldweel said.

Check out the full program of events at midsumma.org.au.

 

Source

  • Media Release
  • Image: Coal Photography

Latest

On This Gay Day | Liberace died in 1987 of an AIDS related illness

So many things happened on this day in history.

Introducing Sam Ashby, he used to be Smashby

Last year the artist known as Smashby headed into...

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras cancel the party

The annual Mardi Gras Party has been cancelled for 2026.

PHOTOS | More fabulous snaps from Pride Parade 2025

Pride WA’s Pride Parade took to the streets of Northbridge on Saturday, 29 November.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Liberace died in 1987 of an AIDS related illness

So many things happened on this day in history.

Introducing Sam Ashby, he used to be Smashby

Last year the artist known as Smashby headed into...

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras cancel the party

The annual Mardi Gras Party has been cancelled for 2026.

PHOTOS | More fabulous snaps from Pride Parade 2025

Pride WA’s Pride Parade took to the streets of Northbridge on Saturday, 29 November.

Cory Bernardi to join One Nation and run for South Australian parliament

The former senator was previously a member of the Liberal party before forming his own Australian Conservatives brand.

On This Gay Day | Liberace died in 1987 of an AIDS related illness

So many things happened on this day in history.

Introducing Sam Ashby, he used to be Smashby

Last year the artist known as Smashby headed into the Big Brother UK house, and people got to know Sam Ashby the young man...

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras cancel the party

The annual Mardi Gras Party has been cancelled for 2026.