Geelong Rainbow Festival cancelled

THE 2025 edition of the annual Geelong Rainbow Festival will not go ahead next week, with organisers citing limited resources and stretched finances among the reasons for the beloved event’s cancellation.

The festival was set to take place on Saturday, February 15 at Johnstone Park, but Geelong Rainbow took to social media last week to announce that due to “circumstances out of [its] control”, the organisation was unable to deliver a festival it felt worthy of the community.

“We hung on and tried… as much as we could to make the festival happen,” president Dean Cardigan said.

“We will keep striving towards our goals – we’re always open for suggestions – but… we do as much as we can, with who we have.”

Cardigan remains optimistic the festival will return next year and encouraged interested community members to get involved with the organisation to help make it happen.

“A wise person once told me ‘The world is run by those who show up’,” he said.

 

 

“We just need to plan even further ahead and get all our cards ready to play the best hand we can.”

The organisation will instead gather on Saturday, February 8 to rally for the rights of young trans people as part of a National Day of Action organised by the Trans Justice Project.

It follows the Queensland government’s decision last week to halt hormone therapy access to new trans patients under the age of 18 while it undertakes a review into their usage.

“This weekend is all about coming together, showing we are unified, showing that we should treat our queer, transgender, diverse young people with respect and love,” Cardigan said.

“Gender-affirming healthcare saves lives. Gender-affirming healthcare brings community together. Gender-affirming healthcare helps us thrive.”

The rally will be held at Johnstone Park from 9am.