The 36th annual Midsumma Festival, a three-week celebration of LGBTIQA+ art and culture showcasing pride, inclusivity and equality for Victoria’s diverse rainbow communities, is under way in Melbourne.

Harriet Shing (pictured), Minister for Equality, joined the celebrations at Midsumma Carnival today, helping judge the day’s proudest pooches as part of the popular Midsumma Carnival Dog Show.

“Midsumma Carnival is a free, all-ages event in the Alexandra Gardens that launches the broader queer summer festival of activities, bringing more than 120,000 visitors to Melbourne’s CBD each year,” said a representative for the orhansiers.

Carnival-goers enjoyed lively musical acts and other performers across four stages and more than 180 stalls, including community and business stalls, food zones and bars.

The festival’s major highlights include the annual Pride March in St Kilda on Sunday February 4 and Victoria’s Pride Street Party on Smith and Gertrude Sts on the final day of the festival, Sunday February 11.

The statewide celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, Victoria’s Pride, also includes a series of pride activities and events across regional Victoria this summer including Queerthentic Regional LGBTQIA+ Art Prize in Kyneton and Pride Fair Day in Wangaratta.

The State Government invested an extra $500,000 to stage the Queer PHOTO Festival in Melbourne’s west through the Go West Festivals Fund.

“Midsumma Festival is woven into the fabric of our LGBTIQA+ cultural and arts calendar here in Victoria, as well as being an integral part of our broader efforts to achieve equality and celebrate diversity as a strength,” Ms Shing said.

Nina Taylor, Albert Park MLA,said: “It’s fantastic to be celebrating 36 years of Midsumma, providing opportunities for LBGTIQA+ communities to connect and celebrate who they are – congratulations!”

Southern MetropolitanMLC John Berger said: “Annual events like Midsumma give all Victorians the opportunity to express their pride in and learn more about the great diversity we’re proud to celebrate in Victoria.”

Midsumma Festival CEO Karen Bryant said: “After a record-breaking festival last year, we are eagerly looking forward to what is shaping up to be the biggest Midsumma yet. It promises to be testament to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities, arts and culture.”