Graffiti attack tarnishes Melbourne's Midsumma Festival
The vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ Midsumma Festival in Melbourne was marred by a graffiti attack on February 8, 2026. The incident occurred on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, where a group of individuals spray-painted slogans late at night, targeting shopfronts, marquees, and homes.
The slogans, which included 'No Pride on Stolen Land', 'No Police at Pride', and 'Boycott Midsumma', were a stark contrast to the festival's spirit of celebration and community. Residents, traders, and festival staff worked together to clean the graffiti early on Sunday morning, ensuring the event's positive atmosphere could continue.
Felicity McIntosh, the deputy CEO of Midsumma Festival, expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the financial and emotional impact on local businesses and residents. She stated, 'Victoria's Pride is a significant trading day for small, independent businesses, and it is deeply disappointing that they, along with local residents, were targeted in this manner.'
This incident is not an isolated one. Similar graffiti with the slogan 'Boycott Midsumma' was reported on LGBTQ+ venues in Fitzroy and Collingwood in January of the previous year. The authorities are investigating, and a police spokeswoman emphasized the zero-tolerance policy towards hate-based symbols and behavior.
The Pride Street Party, a highlight of the three-week Midsumma Festival, has been held for five years. The festival's organizers advocate for respectful dialogue, even in challenging conversations, and the graffiti attack has sparked discussions about the balance between protest and vandalism.
