Vision Australia Radio is proud to announce its return as an Inclusion and Access Partner for the 2025 Midsumma Festival. This ongoing partnership underscores the network’s commitment to fostering accessibility and inclusivity for its diverse audience, including those who are blind or have low vision.
The Melbourne-based queer arts festival, which spans 22 days, draws an audience of approximately 120,000 people and is a cornerstone of the queer community calendar. Featuring a dynamic mix of fringe and mainstream queer culture, the festival showcases performances, exhibitions and events from local, interstate and international artists.
As part of its commitment, Vision Australia Radio has once again produced an audio version of the festival program. The station will also highlight audio-described shows and tactile tours, enabling people who are blind or have low vision to plan their festival experiences with ease.
Carnival Day: live broadcast expands in 2025
On Sunday, January 19, Vision Australia Radio will host its second consecutive live broadcast from the festival precinct at Alexandra Gardens, during Midsumma’s Carnival Day. Building on the success of last year’s broadcast, the station will expand its live coverage to four hours, beginning at 10AM AEDT.
The first hour will feature radio reading content, sharing articles from LGBTIQA+ publications, mainstream media and Midsumma’s own materials. From 11AM to 2PM AEDT, listeners can enjoy interviews, music and coverage of Carnival Day festivities.
Conrad Browne, Manager of Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services, expressed excitement about the ongoing collaboration:
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with this vibrant and inclusive event. It’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate the intersection of the LGBTIQA+ and disability communities, as well as their allies.”
“The response to last year’s broadcast was overwhelmingly positive, so we’re excited to bring listeners even more this year. Whether you join us in person at Carnival Day or tune in from home, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” Browne added.
How to Tune In
When: Sunday, January 19, 2025
Where:
- On VA Radio Digital in Melbourne
- Across Vision Australia Radio’s regional Victoria network
- Streaming online via this link
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. AEDT, with highlights available later via podcast. Vision Australia Radio’s "Talking Vision" program will also present a highlights package on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, available via podcast.
Click here to access the Midsumma Festival program guide in audio format.
Stay tuned to Vision Australia Radio for more updates on the 2025 Midsumma Festival and our live Carnival Day broadcast. Join us as we celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the vibrant arts community!
