Victoria’s Pride is heading beyond the city limits this summer, with a new wave of regional events set to light up towns across the state.
The Victoria’s Pride Regional Activation Program, delivered by Midsumma, will bring community-driven celebrations to places from the Bellarine Peninsula to Ballarat, Mildura to Gippsland — all building towards the annual all-ages Street Party in Melbourne on Sunday 8 February.
Each event carries its own local flavour. On the Bellarine, Thursgay Bellarine Pride Fest promises a lively mix of DJs, drag artists, emerging performers and market stalls.
Ballarat will add a permanent tribute to its queer history through the creation of Queer-ways: Retracing Ballarat’s Queer Footprints, a mural honouring stories and voices that haven’t always been visible. In Mildura, comedy takes centre stage with Friends of Comedy presenting a touring lineup of queer performers.
While Melbourne’s Pride Street Party has become a fixture of the summer calendar, the regional program is about making sure celebrations and visibility extend far beyond the city.
Minister for Equality Vicki Ward said: “Now more than ever we need to continue to strengthen and celebrate our inclusive society… These events bring communities together, showcasing the pride, importance and talents of LGBTIQA+ people across our regions.”
Midsumma CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant echoed that sentiment: “Victoria’s Pride Regional Activation Program is about celebrating our rainbow communities wherever they live, in every town, every region, right across the state.”
With murals, drag, comedy and music all in the mix, this year’s regional activations look set to make Pride season feel bigger, bolder and far more local.
For more information on Victoria’s Pride Regional Activation Program, please visit midsumma.org.au/regional-activations.
