On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio proudly delivered its second annual Midsumma Festival Carnival Day broadcast - a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Melbourne’s LGBTIQA+ community and culture. This year’s live coverage expanded to an impressive four hours, building on the success of our inaugural three-hour broadcast in 2024. The added hour provided a unique opportunity to share an overview of Melbourne’s queer history, significant locations and contributions to the community, connecting listeners to the heart of the city in a meaningful way.
Our broadcast team was a remarkable mix of talent, with valued volunteer presenters Ally Bui, Simon Whitehead, Sam Colley, Loughlin Shannon, Tess Herbert and Conrad Browne at the helm. Joining them as a special guest presenter was Midsumma Festival Ambassador, Karan Nagrani. Together, they delivered a rich tapestry of community news, thought-provoking reviews, engaging interviews and a diverse playlist featuring queer artists and performers living with disability.
Behind the scenes, this ambitious production was expertly supported by Nick and Brian King, with Jason Gipps steering the project as producer. Their dedication ensured the broadcast flowed seamlessly and authentically captured the energy of the day.
The morning began with an hour dedicated to radio reading, offering insightful content drawn from LGBTIQA+ publications, mainstream media and Midsumma’s own materials. This segment not only set the stage for the day’s festivities, but also underscored the importance of storytelling in strengthening community connections.
As the broadcast transitioned into live coverage of Carnival Day, we were treated to a dynamic mix of interviews, music and commentary that brought the vibrancy of Alexandra Gardens directly to our listeners. Despite the sweltering summer heat, the enthusiasm of the team and the energy of the event created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Midsumma Festival runs until February 9, 2025. Visit Midsumma Festival to plan your day out, and visit the Midsumma Festival - Access page to support you in your access needs.
You can listen to our full 2025 Midsumma Festival Carnival Day broadcast here: Vision Australia Radio's Midsumma Festival Carnival Day Broadcast 2025 - Interview Highlights from Vision Australia Radio - Omny.fm.
Or, select and play the individual Carnival Day interviews below for your convenience:
Scented Cinema
Discover the unique world of Scented Cinema, presented by Brimbank City Council in collaboration with Snivure and Scented Storytelling. This interview highlight delves into two immersive, interactive and aromatic film screenings on offer at Midsumma Festival. Join us as Vision Australia Radio’s Conrad Browne chats with Jas Brooks, Tammy Burnstock and Jacob Tiauli about what makes these events so extraordinary.
Performer Samuel Gaskin, HONŌUR
HONŌUR is a live performance which elevates and celebrates the true royalty of First Peoples communities, Queer POC Elders. HONŌUR will introduce audiences to some of Melbourne’s most ICONIC legends in a celebration and ceremony of love and recognition that SLAYS the house down.
Performer Samuel Gaskin speaks to Vision Australia Radio's Conrad Browne to share more on their career and what attendees can expect from the performance in Naarm Melbourne.
CEO of Midsumma, Karen Bryant
Presenters Sam Colley and Karan Nagrani speak to the CEO of Midsumma, Karen Bryant, to learn about this year's festival.
Manager of Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services, Conrad Browne
Presenters Sam Colley and Karan Nagrani speak to Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services manager Conrad Browne to understand VAR's desire to be an access and inclusion partner of the festival.
Actor, writer and director Oliver Ayres
In this interview highlight, presenters Sam Colley and Karan Nagrani speak to actor, writer and director Oliver Ayres in regards to the upcoming Midsumma Festival show, The Demon Twink of Smith Street.
Ben Harrington, Travellers Aid
Presenters Ally Bui and Loughlin Shannon speak to Ben Harrington of Travellers Aid to learn about their range of services and supports that can assist you in your journey to Midsumma events.
Joshua Lynzaat, Midsumma Access Coordinator
Presenters Ally Bui and Loughlin Shannon speak to Joshua Lynzaat, Midsumma Access Coordinator, to learn of Midsumma's range of supports and services to the blind and low vision community at this year’s festival.
Cerise Howard, Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Presenters Tess Herbert and Conrad Browne interview Melbourne Queer Film Festival’s Cerise Howard. From Friday 31 January to Sunday 2 February, 2025, the MQFF proudly presents an exciting series of queer film screenings for Midsumma 2025.
Anastacia Le, Community Advocate and Board Member at Victorian Pride Centre
Presenters Tess Herbert and Conrad Browne interview Anastacia Le, Community Advocate and Board Member at Victorian Pride Centre, to learn more about the Centre's inception and what's to come for this year’s Midsumma Festival and beyond.
