Victoria’s Pride Street Party (previously Melbourne Pride) is back with a full-day and night block party in Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude and Smith Street precinct on Sunday 12 February, presented by Midsumma in partnership with the Victorian Government.
“Victoria’s Pride is an important opportunity to celebrate our fabulous LGBTIQ+ communities, their families and their allies,” said Minister for Equality, Harriet Shing. “We’re encouraging all Victorians to attend this vibrant celebration – there will be something for everyone at the Pride Street Party.”
The free, jam-packed, block party for all ages, will be across multiple stages, featuring performances from local and international musicians and artists to celebrate Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQ+ communities. Expect music, comedy, guest speakers, circus, roving performances, drag and art installations.
The latest line-up announcements for the Smith Street stage include Pasifika New Zealander drag performer from RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Kween Kong, along with multi-award winning, Australian comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye, featuring special guests Michelle Braiser, Betty Grumble, Milo Hartill and more.
They will be joined by Australian/Nigerian Keiynan Lonsdale (aka Rainbow Boy), multi award-winning musician and proud Gumbaynggir and Dunghutti woman, Casey Donovan and more.
The Gertrude Street Stage kicks off with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Colin, plus a smoking ceremony and tribute to the late Uncle Jack Charles. Then expect performances from the likes of Siala Robson, Cry Club, and HONŌUR, featuring Samual Gaskin, Cerulean, Suri and more.
They will be joined by Banoffee, Filipino/Australian artist, musician, songwriter, producer and filmmaker, Chela, and Alter Boy, a community collective fronted by trans/hard-of-hearing vocalist, Molly Priest.
Many local businesses in the area will be painting the precinct rainbow with an array of sweet deals, special offers and themed products to celebrate.
The Builders Arms Hotel will have a DJ in the Public Bar, a BBQ on Gertrude, fish tacos and frozen drinks.
Mollie’s Bar & Diner Upstairs will have pop-up drag shows, drinks specials, drag roulette with Tequila Mockingbird, while a bevy of performers take to the stage.
The inaugural guided walking tour, especially curated for blind and low vision attendees, is co-hosted by much loved personality Dolly Diamond, and jam-packed with music, performances, food, art, stalls and stories that celebrate the locale’s diverse LGBTIQ+ communities, featuring Casey Donovan and so much more. This event is free but bookings are essential and guides are available upon request.
“Victoria’s Pride is the perfect place to celebrate pride and brings Midsumma Festival to a close with a bang,” said Karen Bryant, CEO Midsumma. “It’s been a fantastic three weeks of showcasing boundary-pushing artists and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. We can’t wait to see everyone come together for one last hurrah.”
Victoria’s Pride takes place on Gertrude and Smith Streets, Fitzroy on Sunday 12 February 2023. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Melbourne Pride 2022 – courtesy of Midsumma