Midsumma, Melbourne s premier queer arts and cultural festival, will bring the city to life over summer when the festival begins on 17th of January.

The festival spans three weeks and includes art exhibitions, theatre, live music and nightlife events with queer-centric themes for the queer and wider community.

Celebrating its 22nd birthday, Midsumma has grown in stature and audience and plays a significant role in the broader Melbourne arts festival scene as well as the cultural life of Melbourne s queer community.

Midsumma enhances the sense of a queer community in Melbourne, strengthens the sense of identity, and deepens the sense of belonging within our community, which in turn makes the community more resilient says Adam Lowe, General Manager of Midsumma.

By showcasing queer culture to the broader community, it helps destigmatise the queer community and reduce levels of marginalisation Adam says.

Lisa Watts, Chairperson of Midsumma adds The festival also provides a supportive forum for queer youth, by giving them a sense of belonging and overcome the sense of isolation they can feel .

Midsumma attracts over 100,000 people from Melbourne and interstate. making it a significant tourist and cultural contributor to Melbourne s economy.

The festival opens with Carnival, Midsumma's single largest event, and features food, entertainment and activities and starts at 11am, 17 January.