GRAB YOUR FEATHERS

By Benjamen Judd

The annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is about to hit Sydney in a flurry of feathers, rainbows, glitter, political statements and a hell of a lot of love this coming Saturday, March 1. The event is an internationally acclaimed celebration of unity and diversity. A conundrum, we know, which is probably why people like Fred Nile has such an issue with it. You need to explain things slowly to them…

Starting at the base of Hyde Park and running up the gauntlet that is Oxford Street until it turns left on to Flinders and finally ending up in Moore Park (where, we might add, the finale party is held and boy if that isn’t going to be a hoot), the parade is a collection of iconography, choreography, colours and a message of acceptance.

Although things don’t kick off officially until 630pm, parade set up begins almost at the crack of dawn as friends and fans and spectators from all over the world set up camp along Oxford Street to make sure they get prime viewing. Float preparations begin at about midday and you can catch a glimpse of these as well as various marching boys and girls as they rehearse down along Liverpool, Elizabeth and Park Streets.

Once the parade starts going, however, all access to either sides of the road are blocked so get yourself in position and find your friends well before 6pm. Or you could just make some new friends!

For more information on the parade, best viewing points and tickets to VIP seating, head to the official Mardi Gras website.