The annual Midsumma Pride March returns on Sunday 5 February, with an expected 50,000 people taking to the streets of St Kilda to celebrate solidarity in gender and sexual diversity. The spectacular act of unity features over 200 community groups for a day of parade, pride and party.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies are invited to join the fanfare with workmates, family, friends or lovers, to celebrate diversity with ferocity, together in this day-long event, strutting down Fitzroy Street in a kilometre-long parade route to Catani Gardens.
The march itself is led by the Boon Wurrung Elders, Rainbow Aboriginal Float, LGBTQIA+ youth and followed by the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, Minister for Equality Harriet Shing, the Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulous and Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities Todd Fernando.
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.
“We march because we are fierce, fabulous, loved, diverse and proud. We invite all to join the Midsumma Pride March 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:
- 11:30am: Emcee – Comedy duo The Beryls
- 11:40am: DJ Alex Morris
- 1:30pm: Welcome to Country and official proceedings
- 1:50pm: Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus – Singing united in hopes for the future, strengthened by struggle, using music to celebrate diversity and promote acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people
- 2:15pm: Michelle Parsons – Renowned for her rich versatile voice and on-stage presence, Michelle brings to her live shows her own unique style, energy and charisma
- 2:38pm: DJ JARVIS
- 2:50pm: Singer Milo Hartill
- 3:10pm: DJ JARVIS
Local traders along Fitzroy Street and Acland Street will be once again be celebrating, so marchers and spectators are welcome to pop in to say hi and grab a snack when the march is over.
Midsumma Pride March is the place to celebrate all gender expressions, sexualities, experiences, and personalities with colours, sparkle and style. For more information and Marching Order, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
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 12 February 2023. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Midsumma Pride March – photo by J Forsyth