Access

Click the following links to download files:

• Program Guide as PDF (PDF 46 MB)
• Large print (text only) + file size, file type - coming shortly
• Audio guide (MP3, 27 MB) ~ Developed by Midsumma Partner - Vision Australia Radio (‘download/opens in new window’)
• Auslan overview to Midsumma Festival (2 mins, 41 secs)

Visit midsumma.org.au/guides to see all versions (from November to February each year).

Note: Links in this section open new tabs.

View Audio Description events. Through the use of a headset or with support from describer guides, audience members can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the event during appropriate breaks in the dialogue. Not all the events listed below make use of headset technology. Some events are supported by describer guides and/or embedded self descriptions.

View Tactile Tour (touch tour) events. Tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or have low vision to have a hands-on experience of the work. Tours usually commence 30 to 60 minutes prior to a performance’s starting time, and they are often ticketed, so attendees are sometimes known in advance.

View Auslan Interpreted events. Auslan interpreter services provide equal access to arts and entertainment for people who are Deaf.

View Assistive Listening (e.g. hearing loops) events. Patrons receive a handheld receiver and headphones, which amplify a live audio feed captured via microphones positioned in the theatre.

View Relaxed Performance events. Relaxed Performances are designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for people who have particular sensory or processing needs, or anyone who would benefit from seeing a performance in a relaxed environment.

View English no Barrier events. English skills are not required to participate fully in these events.

View Wheelchair Accessible events. Wheelchair access varies from venue to venue. Midsumma relies on accurate information being provided by the more than 100 venues that are part of the Festival. We recommend that audiences contact the venue to confirm wheelchair accessibility and enquire about accessible parking.

View Captioned events (Open and Closed Captions). Open Captions (OC) are when the captions are displayed so that everyone in the audience can see them. Closed Captions (CC) are when captions are relayed to audience members' individual devices, so only those that have requested the service can read the captions.

View 100% Visual Rating events - No sound, music or dialogue (e.g. an art exhibition) so Deaf or hard of hearing audiences can engage fully with the event

View 75% Visual Rating events - Some sounds and minimal dialogue, or dialogue is subtitled so Deaf or hard of hearing audiences have a closer to full engagement with the event

View Low Visual Rating events - Sound, music or dialogue is essential to fully experience the event (e.g. a music concert or mostly non-subtitled dialogue) so Deaf or hard of hearing audiences can have some but not full engagement with the event

FREE: View FREE events. Lots of our events are free! However, some still require you to secure your place by booking.

• FREE-TICKETED: You can secure your place online in the same way you would book a regular ticket. No fees apply for ticketed-free events booked via midsumma.org.au.
• FREE-NON-TICKETED: Entry to non-ticketed free events is subject to venue capacity and at the discretion of venue staff.

LIVE-STREAMED: View Live-streamed events. If you are unable to attend events in person, you can still attend live-streamed events without leaving your home!

Bar available
Family friendly
Food available
Over 18 only

For information about accessibility facilities at Midsumma Festival's Major Events, see their event pages:

• Midsumma Carnival
• Midsumma Pride March 
• Victoria's Pride  

Note: Links in this section open new tabs.

For information about Companion Cards and other access considerations when booking tickets, please visit our ticketing information page.

Midsumma Pathways is a nationwide nine-month mentorship and career development program for Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse LGTBIQA+ artists. For more information, see Midsumma Pathways (link opens new tab).

Midsumma is proud to have launched our new Disability Inclusion and Access Plan. For more information about the plan, see DIAP: Disability Inclusion and Access Plan (link opens new tab).

If you have questions, comments or feedback about access at Midsumma, we would love to hear from you.

Written email, Auslan video or voice memo to [email protected] or call 03 9296 6600.

Midsumma is National Relay Service ready. If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or want assistance with spoken communication, contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or via relayservice.com.au then ask for 03 9296 6600 during business hours. There is no additional charge for this service