The annual Midsumma Pride March returns this Sunday 4 February with an expected crowd of 70,000 people taking to the streets of St Kilda to celebrate solidarity in gender and sexual diversity.
This is set to be the biggest ever Midsumma Pride March, with over 18,000 participants registered to march, plus an expected spectator crowd of 53,000 lining the streets. The spectacular act of unity features over 400 community groups for a day of parade, pride and party.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies are invited to march with ferocity, uniqueness, and pride down Fitzroy Street in a kilometre-long route to Catani Gardens.
The march will feature 400 groups, including Dykes on Bikes Melbourne, Boon Wurrung Elders, Rainbow Aboriginal Float, Minus 18, Melbourne Rainbow Band, and for the first time, The 78ers, who are heading over from Sydney (The 78ers are the participants in the events that took place in 1978, including the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade).
At the conclusion of the march the general public are invited to follow the final marchers into Catani Gardens to be greeted at the end with free entertainment and festivities, including DJs and live performances by the iconic St Kilda beachside.
“I can’t wait to see a record turnout for the 2024 Midsumma Pride March. Our diverse LGBTQIA+ communities and allies will come together in spectacular fashion to march with those who can, and in solidarity for those who cannot,” said Karen Bryant, Midsumma Festival CEO.
The Catani Gardens stage will operate from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Highlights include: DJ Maxima, Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Choir, Kitty Obsidian, DJ Miss Katalyna and more.
Once the march is over marchers and spectators are welcome to visit the local traders along Fitzroy Street and Acland Street, who will be once again be celebrating. Midsumma Pride March is the place to celebrate all gender expressions, sexualities, experiences, and personalities with colours, sparkle and style.
Midsumma Pride March takes place one week before Victoria’s Pride Street Party (previously Melbourne Pride). Victoria’s Pride is held across the state from December to February, with events in regional and rural areas.
The tour of state-wide events will culminate into a full-day and night street party in Gertrude and Smith Street, Fitzroy on Sunday 11 February 2024.
The annual Midsumma Pride March takes place this Sunday 4 February 2024 along Fitzroy Street and Catani Gardens, St Kilda. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Midsumma Pride March – photo by Teague Leigh