Castlemaine Pride Festival kicks off this weekend with a nine-day program featuring a myriad of events that aim to celebrate visibility and diversity in Mount Alexander Shire.
From its humble beginnings as a picnic in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens in 2018 to nine days of events in 2024, the Castlemaine Pride Festival is once again aglow with growth this year.
Last year, with funding from the state government, Castlemaine Pride undertook its most comprehensive survey of local LGBTIQA+ community members to find out not only what they liked about Castlemaine Pride but also what was missing and where the festival could improve.
The new Pride committee has endeavoured to enact the community’s suggestions and make the annual event even better.
The festival officially kicks off with Mt Alexander Falcons’ first home game and ‘Pride Cup’ contest against Kyneton at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve this Friday from 7pm followed by the ever-popular Pride Picnic in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens on Saturday.
This family friendly event includes market stalls, food vans, a dog show and live entertainment all day from 11am-5pm.
Castlemaine Pride committee chairperson Sherene Clow is excited about this year’s program.
“The festival is bookended by two major events that are free of charge and that we hope will have something for everyone: our signature event the beloved picnic on Saturday April 20, featuring all-day entertainment and a fun, family friendly vibe; and Q+ on Saturday April 27 in Mechanics Lane – an all-day event featuring queer creatives and pop up activities, culminating in an all-ages dance event that evening,” Sherene said.
Other events include the Picnic After Party at the Bridge Hotel, Bent Brushes Art Show at the Castlemaine Market Building, Pub Sing and Trivia at the Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing, a queer short film screening at the Northern Arts Hotel, a Nomads bush walk, a car scavenger hunt, an LGBTIQA+ tennis tournament and LGBTIQA+ Afternoon Tea and Dance at Wesley Hill Hall just to name a few.
The festival runs from April 19-28. For more information head to castlemainepride.org.au
