Six things not to miss at Frolic Festival

BALLARAT’S major LGBTQIA+ celebration, Frolic Festival, is now on until this Sunday, 12 February, and it’s painting the town rainbow.

Co-director Sarah Hirst said organisers are full of pride for the events they’ve put together, many in partnership with community groups.

“We’re proud of the fact we’ve created a series of events that are inclusive for different groups in the community, and accessible,” she said.

Frolic Art Show

The 2023 Frolic Art Show is being held until Sunday in partnership with Femxle Experience Art Rebellion at their base in the Bridge Mall.

“FEAR was formed by artists with deep connections to Ballarat with a mission to encourage empowerment, and provide a safe space where voices are not silenced,” Ms Hirst said.

“We put a call-out to local LGBTIQA+ artists and so their art will be featured in the show.”

Frolic Warehouse PRIDE Party

This event will be at the Warehouse night club on Mair Street this Friday night, headlined by song-man extraordinaire Brendan Maclean, hosted by drag queen Gabriella Labucci and drag king Freddie Merkin, with performances from local all-lesbian band Bells Lane, and tunes from DJ MzRizk.

“We’re in the top room of Warehouse; an amazing space which will be decorated to the hilt, with the support of Poof Doof, and a new stage going in,” Ms Hirst said.

History tour

Discover the queer history of Ballarat on Saturday as part of a tour with local historian Tom Hodgson.

“Ballarat’s queer history is not something that’s easily accessible, but Tom has done a lot of research and will be pointing out relevant places and personalities in the centre of town,” Ms Hirst said.

The tour will run from 11am to 12.30pm, meeting outside the Ballarat Town Hall at Queen Victoria Square.

The BIGGEST Games Day Ever! Youth event

A games day for young people will be delivered at Victoria Park on Saturday from 11am to 3pm, led by Tiny Pride, Y Ballarat, BADAC and Cafs.

Different age specific games and activities will be run for various age groups, including traditional Koorie games, drag king story time, and a silent disco for people with sensory issues.

Queer-aoke

At Trades Hall on the Saturday night, Queer-aoke will bring people together to form connections through group sing-a-longs, although if there’s anyone that’s keen to sing solo, they’ll have the chance to do that too.

Bus trip to Victoria’s Pride

Travel on a bus to Victoria’s Pride in Collingwood with a crew of local people and entertainment along the way.

“This is about bringing Pride to Ballarat, and Ballarat to Pride,” Ms Hirst said. “It’s an opportunity for locals to attend a big event in Melbourne in an accessible way.

“Connections will be formed on the bus, and instead of turning up on your own, you’ll have a posse to arrive with. Well have meet-up points throughout the day.”

The bus will leave from outside 202 Lydiard Street North, just north of Ballarat Station.

Head to frolicfestival.org/events for more information and tickets