Midsumma held its AGM earlier this week, announcing the 2009 theme, 'A Queer Coming of Age'. Next year, the festival celebrates its 21st birthday.

Midsumma General Manager Adam Lowe said the festival will continue to reach out to all sectors of the community.

"We'd like to get everyone thinking of how they celebrate and interpret the transition from adolescence to adulthood," he told bnews.  "We hope to generate discussion about what coming of age means as a queer community.

Kris Darmody and Sasha Cunningham were also conferred as life members at the meeting, unanimously endorsed by the board for their instrumental involvement in the festival for the best part of the decade.

Kris has overseen budget surplus and has been involved in establishing Midsumma's tax deductable status. Sasha has been involved in programming, setting up the inaugural poetry slam competition last year and organising the mass wedding in the 2004 festival, as well as international acts.  

Registrations for the 2009 Midsumma Festival open in the coming weeks.

By ANDIE NOONAN

Details: www.midsumma.org.au