During pride week, cities and towns across the country wear their true colours to celebrate who they are.
Show off your pride in the sun this Midsumma
For some, summer is the season of sunny days and clear skies. But for Australia’s LGBTIQ community, it is pride season.
One of the biggest pride celebrations in the country is Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival. A three-week-long celebration of LGBTQI+ art, culture and community attended by nearly 200,000 people.
In 2016, we were the Gold Partner and Official Energy Partner of the festival: just one of the many ways we support the community. In September of that same year, we announced our support for marriage equality, and heavily invested in diversity and inclusion.
As the Midsumma program hits the streets, we picked the best five events to go to out in the sun.
1. Midsumma Carnival
The festival kicks off with a day of fun at Alexandra Gardens. Enjoy a picnic and glass of wine in front of one of the stages, offering hours of free entertainment. Check out over 100 stalls, the famous Dog Show and watch the sunset over the beautiful city. There’s something for everyone.
2. Australia Day Picnic
Why make your Australia Day celebrations a little more fabulous? Pack the car and take the family to the gorgeous Forest Glade Gardens for the Australia Day Picnic. Stroll through the acres of gardens, or watch the entertainment from the Melbourne Rainbow Band and Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus.
3. Pride March
Join over 100 marching groups and around 45,000 spectators for the colour and excitement in St Kilda, a long-held tradition on the Midsumma calendar. Once the march is over, join the festivities in Catani Gardens for hours of free entertainment.
4. Team Melbourne Sports Festival
A festival within a festival, the Team Melbourne Sports Festival brings together 17 LGBTIQ sporting groups for a day of fun. From rowing to rugby, there’ll be many sports on offer to try out and sign up to join.
5. Well Proud Party
Many people within the LGBTIQ community have to deal with mental health issues. The Well Proud Party is a celebration to recognise the resilience of those who experience mental health issues and their partners, friends and family who have been impacted. People are invited to meet, connect and have fun.
