The Australian Open will celebrate diversity and inclusion at its Pride Day on Thursday 25 January. LGBTQI+ advocates Peach PRC and AO Pride Ambassador Tash Sultana, along with ‘Raingurl’ creator Yaeji, are just a glimpse of the incredible line-up who will be playing at Finals Festival that day. They will be joined by Djanaba, Anesu, and DJ Luv You, taking over John Cain Arena.
AO Pride Day serves as a powerful statement, showcasing the Australian Open’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for the LGBTQI+ community. Pride Day was initially conceptualised by the Australian Open in recognition that some members of the LGBTQI+ community have historically felt excluded in sporting environments.
Beyond the excitement of the Finals Festival, Pride Day promises to be a spectacle with roaming drag queens and kings, glam stations offering instant makeovers, rainbow roller skaters, and the iconic Rod Laver Arena will be illuminated in a dazzling array of rainbow colours come evening.
After a massively successful, sold-out Finals Festival last year at Kia Arena, the festival will this year take place in the John Cain Arena boasting the biggest open air music performance the John Cain Arena has seen in the history of its existence.
On Woman’s final day, Saturday 27 January, fan favourite DMA’S will take the stage along with Australian indie rock royalty, The Jungle Giants, ARIA Award winning Ruel, Tia Gostelow and Melbourne based DJ Mell Hall.
On Men’s final day, Sunday 28 January, you can expect epic British superstars Groove Armada and Rudimental, Latifa Tee, Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir and local DJ Cooper Smith.
With tickets being hot property you have two options. Match goers are able to upgrade any tennis match ticket to get access to Finals Festival that day. Alternatively, fans can purchase a dedicated Finals Festival day ticket which automatically includes a ground pass to enjoy all the incredible music, food and beverages AO has to offer.
Untitled Group, Australia’s largest independent music and events promoter are leading the music programming, returning for their second year. The group are best known for music festivals such as Beyond The Valley, Wildlands, Grapevine Gathering and Ability Fest.
For more information about AO Pride Day, visit: www.tennis.com.au For more information about the Finals Festival, visit: www.untitledgroup.com.au for details.
Image: Peach PRC – photo by Jess Gleeson