Orange's most colourful celebration, the Rainbow Festival is less than two weeks away, when the community will come together in a celebration of unity, acceptance and inclusion from 4-8 March.
Orange City Council's signature event, the Rainbow Walk and Community Gathering will be held on Saturday 7 March in what will be a vibrant show of support for our LGBTQIA+ community.
This year, the festival's main event, the Rainbow Walk will be held in Summer Street, in a clear sign of the event's growth and increasing community significance.
Orange City Council's Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Marea Ruddy says the move to Summer Street marks a huge step forward for the Rainbow Walk.
"It shows just how far the festival has come, becoming a major event that takes centre stage in the middle of our city. This visibility sends a powerful message about the value we place on inclusion, pride and community connection in Orange," Cr Ruddy said.
"I encourage everyone to get their friends, families, workmates and teams together, come along and have fun, dress up and show your support for this wonderful expression of unity, diversity, and pride in our city. It's a perfect opportunity to connect, celebrate, and support each other."
The Rainbow Walk will begin at 3pm at the Sale Street car park, opposite Newey's Dry Cleaners, turning left into Summer Street and proceeding east to McNamara Street before heading into Robertson Park.
Participants are welcome to gather at the Sale Street car park from 2.30pm.
Sale Street, between Summer and Byng Street, will be closed from 1.30pm. The eastbound lane of Summer Street, between Sale Street and McNamara Street, will be closed from 2.45pm until the walk is completed. McNamara Steet, between Summer and Byng streets, will be closed for the duration of the walk. The Summer Street westbound lane will remain open during the walk.
Following the walk, everyone is invited to enjoy all the fun of the Community Gathering in Robertson Park until 6pm, with a range of food, market and information stalls, music with DJ Chris Rawlins, drag shows by Haus of Drag Bingo, and a performance by the cast of Orange Theatre Company's production of The Rocky Horror Show.
While the event is free, we encourage everyone to register so that we can coordinate the day's activities with marchers and attendees. Register here.
