FAQS

Melt is a new annual citywide festival of Queer arts and culture staged across multiple venues throughout Magandjin/Brisbane. It builds on the success of its predecessor Melt, the LGBTQIA+ Festival staged annually at Brisbane Powerhouse since 2015.
Melt festival dates are 22 Oct to 09 Nov 2025.

A not-for-profit organisation, Brisbane Powerhouse is Melt’s producer, in other words Brisbane Powerhouse organises the Festival across the city in collaboration with its stakeholders and partners.

Melt is guided by the Melt Reference Group (MRG), a committee of Queer voices with diverse perspectives, specialisations and backgrounds. Luke Furness, Chair of the MRG is also a director on the board of Brisbane Powerhouse.

Melt is also guided by Brisbane Powerhouse’s First Nations Advisory Committee (FNAC) where appropriate. Toni Janke, Chair of the FNAC is also a director on the board of Brisbane Powerhouse. Approximately fifty percent of staff working on Melt identify as Queer.

08 JAN 2025 – Venue Registration Open 
15 JAN 2025 – Artist / Show Registrations Open 
DATE TBA – Community Information Night 
01 MAY 2025 – Early Bird Discount Deadline 
14 JUL 2025 – Deadline for Printed Program Inclusion
04 AUG 2025 – Deadline for Program Launch Inclusion 
early-AUG 2025 – Program Announce and On-Sale 
mid-SEP 2025– Printed program distributed nationally
22 OCT – 9 NOV 2025 – Melt Festival

Melt is an open access festival. An open access festival means anyone (ie artists, companies, producers, community and sporting groups) can register their events to participate.

Melt is an open access inclusive festival, sometimes known as a fringe festival. Artists, companies, producers, community and sporting groups register their events online to participate. Venues also register their participation via the online portal.

Venues and artists/producers have three options to connect with one another. You can connect with each other either through Eventotron, in the real world, or the Melt team can assist by facilitating introductions between artists and venues. The deal is created and agreed upon between artists and venues directly. Melt can provide advice as well as useful templates such a draft agreement for venues and artists/producers to follow.

Melt welcomes events, performances and exhibitions that appeal to LGBTQIA+ audiences. LGBTQIA+ participants are encouraged to register, and allies invited to participate.

LGBTQIA+ community events and activities are also encouraged to become part of the Melt program.

If you’re an artist/promoter, community group or sporting club go to Artists/Promoters: Terms and Conditions for more details.

If you’re a venue, go to Venue: Terms and Conditions for more details. If you’re not sure where you fit but have an idea and would like to participate, email us via [email protected] and we’ll guide you.

• Expand your reach to new audiences and markets, elevate your brand presence, and secure ticket sales and other revenue opportunities through Melt’s brand campaign (national/local) which includes digital, print, PR and outdoor advertising.
• Your show/event and venue will be listed in the Melt digital and printed guides (across entertainment, hospitality and retail locations nationally).
• Embrace Melt as your testing ground, launching pad, homecoming, or an opportunity to level up alongside fellow artists.
• Attract reviews, audience and industry feedback, build marketing assets for future tours. Make Melt your anchor event for an Australian tour, ie Melbourne Fringe is on 1-20 October 2024.
• Receive awards and acknowledgement from peers and industry.
• Be seen by presenters with potential for future bookings.
• Be supported by dedicated festival professionals to find the perfect venue for your work.
• Connect with new artists, promoters and venues.
• Visit sunny Brisbane, a LGBTQIA+ friendly city and home to 2.5 million people.

The fee associated with registering for Melt covers inclusion in the overall Melt marketing campaign, a city-wide activation, website listing, and a feature in the Melt printed program and distribution of that program nationally.

Resources include: 

• A guide to Producing
• A guide to Marketing your show/event
• Marketing collateral and templates
• A budget template
• Draft agreements
• A guide to ticketing

The Melt team is also available to provide feedback, recommendations, facilitate conversations and provide advice if you require.

Melt welcomes events, performances and exhibitions that appeal to LGBTQIA+ audiences. LGBTQIA+ participants are encouraged to register, and allies are invited to participate and attend events.

Like all open access festivals, a deal is created and agreed upon between artists and venues directly. There are various risk share arrangements to consider. Melt Open can provide advice as well as useful templates such as a draft agreement for venues and artists/producers to follow. We encourage artists to also seek funding through grant programs.

If you’re a Queer artist who lives in regional Queensland, please get in contact with us directly.

If you’d like to discuss your specific circumstances, email us via [email protected]

No, as a venue you only need to pay your venue registration fee once if you are participating in Melt and it is based on your total sellable capacity. Registering as a venue in Eventotron is free.

Yes, if you are presenting different shows in the same venue, or across multiple venues, a registration fee is applicable for each individual show/season. Each registration covers the marketing and guide listing for each individual show title.

Example 1: Taylor Swift wants to perform three shows at The Tivoli and one in-conversation event at QPAC. She would pay one registration fee for her shows at The Tivoli, and one registration fee for her event at QPAC.

Example 2: Beyoncé wants to perform one show of her Lemonade album and two shows of her Cowboy Carter album at Kingston Butter Factory. She would pay one registration fee for her Lemonade album show, and one registration fee for her Cowboy Carter show.

Given Brisbane typically has entertainment hubs due to venue locations (i.e., Fortitude Valley, Southbank, West End etc.) these hubs or precincts will organically appear. In our first year, we aren’t curating hubs or spaces, however this might be something we investigate for the future.

Yes, Brisbane Powerhouse is on Eventotron to receive your enquiries; however, as with all other venues, programming is subject to availability and both parties agreeing on a suitable deal.

Melt is an open access festival for queer arts and culture, work that appeals to a queer audience is welcome to participate, or work that is written, produced or has a queer creative team behind it. If this isn’t you and you still want to be involved, please consider buying a ticket to support one of the Open Access shows or participate in one of our signature events. 

The Eventotron platform is very flexible, you can register your sporting club/field as a venue and register a sporting match as an event. The wording on the platform is built using show/performing arts language, so the Melt team can assist you here if required.

Melt Festival celebrates diverse voices from across the community and is partially government-funded to support Brisbane and Queensland’s tourism and economic development objectives.

The River Pride Parade is a vibrant, family-friendly event celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride, diversity, and inclusion as part of the 2024 Melt Festival. It will feature Melt Ambassador Courtney Act, over 50 water vessels adorned in colorful, creative displays, daytime fireworks and a party playlist live on 4ZZZ.  

The parade will make its way along the Brisbane River from the Victoria Bridge to Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday, 9 November, from 3pm to 5pm AEST. 

Date: Saturday, 9 November 2024
Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm AEST
Route: The parade will begin at the Victoria Bridge and travel along the Brisbane River, ending at Brisbane Powerhouse.
Viewing Locations: Popular viewing spots include South Bank (with the South Bank Pride Picnic), Howard Smith Wharves, and Brisbane Powerhouse. These locations offer great vantage points along the river.

Yes! The River Pride Parade is free to attend. You can watch the parade from any of the designated viewing areas along the Brisbane River.

Yes, there will be daytime fireworks launched by licensed practitioners Skylighter from six locations along the parade route. These fireworks will add an extra splash of color and excitement to the event. Please note, the fireworks are designed to be family-friendly and will be a part of the celebratory atmosphere.

Absolutely! The River Pride Parade is a family-friendly event, with plenty of activities and viewing areas suitable for people of all ages. The South Bank Pride Picnic, in particular, is designed as a family-friendly experience with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Yes, the event has been thoroughly planned in consultation with Maritime Safety Queensland to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Additionally, the event is supported by Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government’s Department for Transport and Main Roads. Measures are in place for crowd control, and all boats participating in the parade have been vetted and will be closely monitored for safety.

You can access the viewing areas along the Brisbane River using various transport options:

Parking: Limited parking is available at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and Brisbane Powerhouse, but we recommend using public transport to avoid traffic and parking congestion.
Public Transport: Take advantage of Brisbane’s public transport network including buses, trains, and city cats/ferries.
Cycling/Walking: There are plenty of walking and cycling paths around the river, and bike racks are available at many of the viewing locations.

Yes you can. The River Pride Parade is still accepting registrations for vessels. All participating vessels must complete a waiver and read the full safety briefing. Find out more here.

Yes, the event is designed to be accessible. The viewing areas at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, and Brisbane Powerhouse are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please plan ahead to ensure the best experience, and feel free to reach out to the Melt Festival team for more assistance.

Sun Protection: Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended as the parade will take place in the afternoon sun.
Water: Stay hydrated, especially if you’re attending for an extended period.
Comfortable Clothing: Since this is an outdoor event, wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking or standing.
Rain Gear (if needed): While the weather is expected to be clear, it’s always good to be prepared for unexpected changes.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the following items are prohibited:

• Pets (for the safety and comfort of all participants, pets are not allowed).
• Large items or structures (such as tents or umbrellas) that could obstruct views.
• Alcohol (unless consumed within designated areas).

In case of adverse weather conditions, the event may be delayed or rescheduled. Any updates regarding weather-related changes will be communicated via the official Melt Festival website and social media channels.

Viewing and participation in River Pride Parade with your own boat or vessel is free, but think about giving to our two charity partners:

Open Doors Youth Service
Pinnacle Foundation

For the most up-to-date information about the River Pride Parade and other Melt Festival events, visit melt.org.au or follow the event’s social media channels.

We’re excited to celebrate with you at this historic inaugural River Pride Parade! Let’s make it a colorful, inclusive, and memorable day! 🌈

Yes all normal ferry services will be in operation 

There will be brief bridge closures at Goodwill Bridge intermittently between 3pm and 5pm. The New Farm River walk will be closed from approximately 2.30pm to 5pm.