Supplied/Dan GosseIt’s almost that time of year again — Mardi Gras! The glitter, the glam, the parties and the parade are really not that far away at all. And in 2023, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebration is set to be bigger than ever before. For 2023, Mardi Gras has teamed up with WorldPride for a two-week, jam-packed festival, full of performances, parties, balls, exhibitions, film screenings, sporting events and more. Sydney is the first city in the southern hemisphere to host WorldPride, a global LGBTQIA+ festival that has been hosted in cities across the globe, like London, New York, Toronto, Rome and more. AdvertisementADVERTISEMENTIn 2023, Mardi Gras and WorldPride are hosting over 200 events across Sydney. It’s set to have everything you know and love about Mardi Gras, plus much, much more. Mardi Gras has proud roots in resistance and pride, and is a defining moment in our nation’s queer rights history. With 2023 marking the 45th year of Mardi Gras, it’s sure to be the biggest celebration yet. Here is everything we know about Sydney WorldPride and the 2023 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
When Is It?
The Mardi Gras Festival takes place across two weeks from Friday, February 18 to Sunday, March 6. There’s a wide range of events catering to art enthusiasts, comedy lovers, partygoers and those ready to cheer on the parade floats. The program highlights include:The 2023 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride festivities will take place from February 17 to March 5. There is something on for absolutely every taste and every age bracket. From kids to elders, from sports fans to party people, you’re sure to find something on the program just for you. Here’s a wrap-up of some of the highlights:There will also be plenty of events taking place at some pretty incredible Sydney institutions. Queer Art After Hours will be taking place at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on February 22, and the massive opening concert is happening at The Domain on February 17. – Progress Pride Flag Raising on February 18 at Sydney Town HallAdvertisementADVERTISEMENT- Fair Day on February 20 at Victoria Park- Kaftana Pool Party on February 23 at Ivy Pool- Laugh Out Proud on February 25 at Enmore Theatre- Sissy Ball on February 26 at Sydney Town Hall- Paradiso Pool Party on February 28 at Ivy Pool- The iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on March 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground- Laneway on March 6 at The Beresford and Hill StreetThere will also be plenty of events taking place at some pretty incredible Sydney institutions. Queer Art After Hours will be taking place at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on February 22, the massive opening concert is happening at The Domain on February 17, Pride Villages will be running from February 24 to March 5, and Rainbow City Installations will light up the city across this period too.AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Where Is The Parade?
After spending 2022 at the SCG, the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will be back on Oxford Street once again in 2023. The Mardi Gras Parade will take place on February 25 and is set to be the biggest event of the festival.There will be a whopping 12,500 marchers in the parade with over 200 floats adorning Oxford Street for the first time since 2020. The theme this year is Gather, Dream, Amplify, and it’ll be fascinating to see how the parade-goers interpret the theme this year. Oh, and don’t forget the fireworks show too.
Who Is Performing?
The lineup for Mardi Gras this year is absolutely stacked. If you’re into music, international pop stars like Charli XCX, Nicole Scherzinger, MUNA and Kelly Rowland are scheduled to perform, while icon Kylie Minogue and pop darling Jessica Mauboy are leading a strong lineup of local talent. TikTok star Peach PRC and triple j favourites G FLIP and Vetta Borne will be hitting up the Closing Party in 2023, while Mo’Ju will be gracing the stage of the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on February 21. If you’re keen to catch some of the exhibitions, dance performances, comedy nights, plays, balls, parties, sporting events and other entertainment, be sure to check out the full program here.
Where Can I Watch The Parade On TV?
The ABC has broadcasting rights to the 2023 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride. That’s where you’ll be able to catch all the action from The Parade, Fair Day, the Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference, Blak And Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert and even more Mardi Gras programming at home on the telly. AdvertisementADVERTISEMENTTune in on February 25 to watch The Parade, or tune in to triple j to listen to the official broadcast. You can plan your visit to the 2023 Mardi Gras celebrations here. Want more? Get Refinery29 Australia’s best stories delivered to your inbox each week. Sign up here!
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education