Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

30th Anniversary 2008

The Mardi Gras begins in a party atmosphere with speakers, music, previews of events and refreshments in Hyde Park on College Street, Sydney. The festival runs for around four weeks in locations throughout Sydney.

The Mardi Gras first major activity is usually a free outdoor Fair. The day is promoted as a day for friends, family, frolicking and fun with entertainment, music, theatre and an Art Show.

The jewel in the crown of the Mardi Gras Festival is the Parade that is held on the last Saturday of the festival. The Parade commences at Hyde Park (corner of Liverpool & Elizabeth Sts) and makes it's way along Oxford St and then Flinders Street and concludes at Moore Park.

At the conclusion of the Parade the Party begins. The Party usually continues through to Sunday morning.

To quote the promotors; "The Parade is the world’s most glamorous civil rights demonstration and Australia’s cheekiest night of the year. It’s a tribal celebration staged by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transcender and queer communities. We do it because we can and because we want to! To make fashion statements and political statements! To challenge the world and challenge ourselves!"

Website