The 26th Midsumma Festival will run between Sunday 12 January and Sunday 2 February 2014, with the 2014 program featuring 131 events across 87 venues spanning exhibitions, performing arts, live music, films, literature and community events.

Footballer Jason Ball, contestants from Miss Gay & Miss Transsexual Australia 2014, the Australian Same Sex Dancesport Championships and even Melbourne’s beloved trams are all getting frocked up for the 2014 Midsumma Festival.

Highlights of this year’s program include the Australian Same Sex Dancesport Championships, Midsumma Carnival, Miss Gay and Miss Transsexual Australia, the Team Melbourne Sports Day as well as a strong arts and community program.

Changes this year include moving the Midsumma Carnival, a community day for the GLBTIQ and mainstream community, back to Alexandra Gardens and making the popular T Dance party free for everyone.

This year has also seen the introduction of two festival champions, out footballer Jason Ball, and New Zealand MP Louisa Wall, who successfully passed marriage equality legislation through the New Zealand parliament.

Midsumma Chair Aaron Hockly says Midsumma is a celebration of the GLBTIQ arts and culture but is open to anyone who supports and respects the people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, intersex or queer.

“Midsumma is a true celebration and showcase of the talent that exists within the GLBTIQ community and a chance to understand the diversity of Melbourne that truly makes it one of the best places to live,” said Aaron.

“We are excited by this year’s program and are looking forward to keeping Melbourne busy during January. I encourage everyone, regardless of whether you are GLBTIQ or straight to join in.”

The Midsumma Festival attracts over 180,000 attendees across three weeks, drawing in visitors from regional Victoria, interstate and internationally. The Festival is a key part of Melbourne’s art and festival calendar and is recognised as an international GLBTIQ event. Around half of those attending Midsumma events identify as straight, making the festival truly inclusive.

To view the program and book tickets to Midsumma visit www.midsumma.org.au