November will mark one year since the result of the marriage equality survey. It will also mark one year since Lonsdale Street hosted one of the biggest Canberra block parties of all time.
To celebrate love, equality and the first anniversary of the result - and to obviously have another glitter-filled, Cher-heavy party - Yes!Fest will take over Braddon on November 17.
“Yes!Fest has pulled together an excellent team of activists with connections across Canberra and the LGBTIQ+ community to recreate the celebration of love and diversity that broke-out onto the streets of Braddon last year,” Yes!Fest organiser and Equality Campaign ACT field director Jacob White said.
In just a few months time, the festival will bring vibrant street performances, live music and cheeky beverages to Lonsdale Street. And because it wouldn't be Braddon without a food truck, you can bet those will feature too.
The Saturday will kick off with a community fair and picnic during the day. Once the sun drops, so will that beat.
Considering the ACT had recorded the highest 'yes' vote in the survey, the event organisers are anticipating a quite a turnout.
The Yes!Fest board members include Jacob White, Yen Eriksen, Danny Corvini, Paul Eldon and Victoria Firth-Smith. Festival patrons Elizabeth Lee MLA and Suzanne Orr MLA also join them on the day.
Mr White, who was involved in organising last year's street party, knows that the spontaneity of the special day won't be able to be recreated, but he hopes it will become an annual event.
"This year it will be a less political occasion, it will be more about the community. There won't be central speeches, as such."
Yes!Fest is supported by the LGBTIQ+ community, but is seeking funding from the government and private sector. They're aiming for $10,000 and have so far raised $500 through their Pozible crowdfunding campaign.
The biggest cost to the organisers will be traffic management in the area and the labour associated with that.
"It will be an event for the community, by the community. So we'll need the community's support to make that happen.
"It will be Mardi Gras meets the multicultural festival."
