With an emphasis on community inclusion and participation, major events for this year’s festival include the carnival and TDance featuring five hours of free music and entertainment with an outdoor park party, the annual Pride March with a focus on marriage equality, and the inaugural National Polo League Pride Cup – offering the chance to celebrate equality and diversity in sport.
Elsewhere in the program come a selection of “premier events” selected by the Midsumma panel as festival essentials. Topping the list is Cole, starring award-winning cabaret performer Michael Griffiths in a tribute to the life and music of Cole Porter, the Lesbian Comedy Gala: A Celebration of Our Pride and Joy featuring some of Melbourne’s finest and funniest female comedians and the hotly contested DRAGNATION showdown.
