Overview
It's been a year since Melt first promised big things in 2024. Before the LGBTQIA+ festival held its 2023 event, it advised that it was set to be reborn as a fringe-style celebration of queer arts and culture afterwards, and would spread across Brisbane in the process. That pledge is being taken seriously, as the just-unveiled full lineup for this year demonstrates — complete with more than 120 events in 70-plus venues around southeast Queensland.
How Melt 2024 will play out has been revealed in stages since late 2023, starting with news of Spencer Tunick's upcoming nude photography work on the Story Bridge, then announcing Brisbane's first-ever River Pride Parade, then adding Sophie Ellis-Bextor and a Wicked-themed Halloween ball — plus a pool party and plenty more — to the program. The latest lineup drop brings a cabaret and drag Tina Turner tribute, the improvisational antics of Thank God You're Queer, and social soccer and netball games, for starters. There's also the return of the Bay Pride Diversity Walk to Wynnum, a Pride Picnic at South Bank and a heap of queer film screenings, too.
Whether you're keen to see a show, dance to live tunes, check out an exhibition, catch flicks, party, splash around, get spooky or take your kit off in the name of art, Brisbanites are in for a busy couple of weeks between Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 10. Also newly added to the program: markets in The Lanes in Fortitude Valley, Rose Miho's Erotic Art of a Bisexual exhibition, the Rainbow History Class, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers hitting the stage and the First Nations-focused three-day Friction, which will combine talks, art, workshops, performances and open-mic chats.
From past announcements, the fest includes Bidjara artist Christian Thompson unveiling a large-scale outdoor exhibition across town as well — and also Hans: Disco Spektakulär!, The Ungrateful Bastards and The Lucky B*tches teaming up for a big night. Halloween Hall is back for a DJ-soundtracked way to get eerie; Femme Follies Burlesque is led by queer artists and heroes the queer gaze; alt.BIMBO focuses on the likes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, The Craft and Charmed, alongside AFAB, non-binary and trans artistic talent; and Confidence Man, Mark Trevorrow and Rupert Noffs singing Stephen Sondheim, and the Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub are equally all on the list.
Since it was initially announced, Tunick closing down a Brisbane icon to fill it with a cast of thousands sans clothes has been one of Melt 2024's highlights, with registrations still open if you're keen to take part. As for the River Pride Parade, it will float boats from William Jolly Bridge to Brisbane Powerhouse.
Ellis-Bextor, who played Melt 2022 and is now fresh from the Saltburn buzz, is supporting Take That at A Day on the Green at Sirromet Wines — all of which was announced earlier in 2024, then joined the Melt 2024 lineup.
And if you're keen to see movies under the stars, the newly added Melt on Screen bill at Dendy Powerhouse's outdoor cinema features classics such as The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Paris Is Burning, plus 2024 newcomers Love Lies Bleeding and Problemista.
As for where you'll be heading, venues include Melt's OG home Brisbane Powerhouse, plus The Princess Theatre, The Tivoli, IMA, PIP Theatre, The Wickham, James Street, Fish Lane and Valley Pool — and others in Wynnum, Logan and Ipswich.
The revamped Melt was announced in 2023 as a fringe-style event to celebrate LGBTQIA+ art and performance everywhere from Fortitude Valley to Woolloongabba, showcasing queer work, talents, legends and allies. Brisbanites should already know that Brisbane Powerhouse has hosted Melt Festival for eight years and counting, with that event considered a predecessor to this newcomer. The latest iteration broadens its scope by building upon Melt's success — spreading beyond the Powerhouse, clearly; featuring more artists and venues; and operating as an open access-style shindig.
Jack Martin
Melt Festival 2024 runs from Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 10. Head to the festival website for additional information, and for tickets from 10am on Thursday, July 4.