Mardi Gras Parade
To ensure you can see the spectacle of the world's most flamboyant, hilarious, creative and friendly celebration of gay pride make sure you arrive at Oxford street early where thousands line the streets for the
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
The Parade begins at Hyde Park, travels up Oxford Street and ends at Moore Park Road where Parade participants explode into life with colourful floats, costumes and dance moves.
According to the
website: "In 2011 all entrants have been encouraged to "Say Something"! Expect entries that will make you laugh or fill you with passion, a rainbow extravaganza of over 100 outrageous floats, lavish costumes, stunning design and wild dancing."
The Mardi Gras Party will be the grand finale of the parade. The dance party will rival all others with up to 15,000 partygoers including international visitors and surprise entertainment acts to be revealed on the night.
Last year saw DJs David Guetta and Carl Cox, with performances by Kelly Rowland, George Michael and Adam Lambert.
Kelly Rowland performing at last year's Mardi Gras Party
There are many special Mardi Gras events, prior to the parade, view calendar
here.
Special events include
An Evening with Armistead Maupin - the author of the 'Tales of the City' novels who will read aloud from his latest story in the series, 'Mary Ann in Autumn' and take part in a lively interview at the
Sydney Opera House .
According to the website: "As a best-selling author, social commentator, gay soldier in Vietnam and advocate of homosexual rights, Maupin has led a fascinating life which has earned him a place as a literary icon."
The
Mardi Gras Film Festival will project the finest in
queer cinema (Feb 17 – Mar 3) at Cinema Paris in the Entertainment Quarter and the Dendy Newtown. Films include Plan B directed by Marco Berger and Christopher and His Kind, directed by Geoffrey Sax.
If a picnic is more your style
Fair Day will please. It is a community, fundraising event where pets are welcome at Victoria Park on Feb 20.
Other events include a
Daywash Dance Party,
Harbour Cruise and catch some comedy from
Lily Tomlin at the Enmore Theatre, book tickets
here.
Mardi Gras Daywash Dance Party
