The full program for Melt Festival 2024 has been unveiled, marking an exceptional celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists and allies. This year’s festival will feature over 220 captivating performances and events, set to energize Brisbane/Magandjin from October 23 to November 10. Throughout the city, a dynamic showcase of community, diversity, inclusivity, and creative expression will unfold, including large-scale outdoor installations, a spectacular river parade, memorable performances, exhibitions, parties, sporting events, and more.
OPENING WEEKEND
The Melt Festival opens with Tina – A Tropical Love Story, a captivating performance by First Nations drag artist Miss Ellaneous (Ben Graetz), blending storytelling, cabaret, and drag in a tribute to Tina Turner’s legacy. Following its sold-out run at Darwin Festival, this commissioned work is set to be a festival highlight, featuring a lineup of remarkable Queer First Nations artists.
Other notable events include Bad Lesbian, where Ange Ponting, alongside musician Alex Van den Broek, explores sapphic songs in a comedic and introspective performance. Thank God You’re Queer presents an evening of improvisation, with Brisbane’s top LGBTQIA+ performers creating scenes based on real queer experiences, featuring special guest improvisers.
The festival also invites participants to be part of a large-scale installation by New York artist Spencer Tunick, posing nude on Brisbane’s Story Bridge at sunrise on October 27. Additional festivities include the vibrant Melt Markets x Queer Slice in Fortitude Valley, Sunday’s Child, a portrait series by Hannah Bronte, and Rose Miho’s Erotic Art of a Bisexual exhibition.
The festival will culminate in Halloween-themed events such as Halloween Hall and Club Broadway: A Wicked Halloween Ball, offering a spooky and spectacular celebration with performances by iconic drag queens and singing talents.
WEEK 1
The Halloween spirit continues with the Halloween Cabaret, showcasing a diverse lineup of talented performers including strippers, dancers, burlesque artists, circus acts, and more, all set to deliver an electrifying experience. Irreverent Cabaret promises to captivate audiences, while alt.BIMBO offers a nostalgic tribute to 90s and 00s pop culture.
The festival also features Leather Lungs, a cabaret show highlighting an impressive four-octave vocal range and the flamboyance of artists like Prince and Aretha Franklin. Additionally, Scout Boxhall presents a dynamic mix of stand-up, music, and PowerPoint comedy with sharp political commentary.
For those looking to stay active, Brisbane Inferno’s Saturday Social Soccer welcomes players of all skill levels, while Netball enthusiasts can join the Community Pride Netball Game hosted by Netball Queensland, open to participants of all genders and abilities.
Music lovers can catch Confidence Man in support of their latest album 3AM, or experience Fem Fale, a Nesianfuturistic club night celebrating Trans Women of Colour. The iconic Poof Doof event at The Wickham also returns, offering a vibrant dance club experience.
The Bay Pride Diversity Walk in Wynnum celebrates community with a family-friendly walk along the esplanade, market stalls from LGBTQIA+ vendors, and a variety of performances.
WEEK 2
Week two of the festival offers a diverse range of captivating exhibitions, performances, and community celebrations. Highlights include a Rainbow History Class with Rudy Jean Rigg and Hannah McElhinney, exploring LGBTQIA+ history, and the cult favorite Queer PowerPoint, where local queer artists share their fascinations through creative presentations. Music lovers can experience the explosive punk rock of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, while comedy fans are in for a treat with performances by Alex Hines and the cabaret spectacle Hans: Disco Spektakular.
The festival also features intriguing theatrical performances such as Slippery, a polyamorous ghost mystery by Esther Dougherty, and Functional Bottom, directed by Anna Piper Scott, which delves into a year in the life of Jessi Ryan with dark humor and provocation. Additionally, Helios offers a modern-day retelling of an Ancient Greek myth.
Art enthusiasts can engage with Friction, a three-day event focused on grounding queerness in Indigenous knowledge, and Demon Rhythm, an exhibition by Micah Rustichelli exploring the intersection of artistic labor and artificial intelligence.
CLOSING WEEKEND
Families are encouraged to attend the Pride Picnic, a community event at Southbank’s River Quay Green, featuring music, entertainment, and a prime view of the River Pride Parade. Picnic baskets can be pre-ordered via the event’s website.
The River Pride Parade, scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024, is a highlight of the festival, with a colourful flotilla led by Melt Ambassador Courtney Act, traveling from William Jolly Bridge to Brisbane Powerhouse. This family-friendly event invites all to participate or watch from the riverbank. For those looking to continue the festivities, QUIVR hosts Lismore’s renowned Tropical Fruits in Fortitude Valley.
The closing weekend features pop icons performing at A Day on the Green, including Take That, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Ricki-Lee. Throughout the festival, attendees can also enjoy queer film screenings at Dendy Powerhouse outdoor cinema, visual art exhibitions, and large-scale installations, including works by Dr. Christian Thompson AO and Filipino artist Leeroy New at Brisbane Powerhouse. Paradise remains open seven days a week.
Melt 2024 Brisbane/Magandjin: 23 October – 10 November
Go HERE for more information and for tickets.
