Dark Rainbow up in the air

ORGANISERS of the Ballarat Frolic Festival will decide tomorrow whether their Dark Rainbow-themed LGBTQIA+ event can safely go ahead in 2021, after this week’s COVID-19 lockdown.

The edgy, bold, wintry and “unapologetically queer” program is currently set for Friday, 11 June to Sunday, 13 June.

Festival director Jay Morrison hopes lockdown is lifted by this weekend, allowing his team to “deliver the festival of our dreams.”

“We’ve put a lot of work and volunteer hours in, so we’d love to roll it out as planned, however we also value the health and safety of the community, and are looking to other options,” he said.

“Postponing the Festival is not off the table, however, as we are fully volunteer-run we recognise that would be challenging.”

In a statement released by Frolic Festival earlier in the week, a spokesperson said organisers are monitoring State Government health advice, remaining calm, and are not rushing to make any decisions before the end of the week arrives.

“We always knew that there was a potential for lockdowns to return. Every event already has a COVID-safe plan in place, and we are discussing different contingencies in the event that the lockdown is extended, including the option of switching some events to being high-quality online streaming events for ticket holders,” they said.

“No matter what happens, by continuing to support our small, independent LGBTQIA+ festival you are supporting our community, our festival, and our artists who have been hard-hit by previous lockdowns and restrictions.

“We’re very proud of the festival line-up we have put together, and will be making every effort, within our power, to ensure that it can go ahead.”

The Frolic Art Show has been displayed within the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Backspace in recent weeks.

Visit frolicfestival.org.