Mardi Gras 2016

By Ben Stephens.

As we stroll into the final week of the 2016 Sydney Mardi Gras, the focus falls away from the harbour and field parties and drives your sense of pride to the main event, the Oxford Street Mardi Gras Parade. Taking over the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ precinct, the pageant will turn the street into a fabulous wonderland of colour and love. There are people to meet, conversations to be had, parties to be celebrated and kick-ons to let loose in. As we turn to the last week of the festival, here is a quick round up of where to be and what to make sure you finish with a bang.

Conversations

A discussion not to be missed, headed by Dr Elizabeth Riley, Gender Trailblazers will be looking at the issues in the Trans Community with with a whole host of speakers. Head down to the Darling Quarter Theatre on Friday, March 4 to hear inspiring stories, ideas and the outlook for the transgender community.

Celebrations

Start the weekend right with the newly inducted ARIA hall of Fame winner, Tina Arena, who’ll be taking over the stage at the State Theatre on Friday March 4.

Use this as a warm up for March 5, the official Mardi Gras Parade. Originating back in 1978, the parade will start things off at the bottom of Oxford Street at 7pm sharp. Get there early to nab a spot a solid spot on the strip to catch all the floats, dancers and satirical sassiness that the parade is known for.

After all this hoo-ha, a 12,000-person festivity (and potentially the party of the year) will be kicking off at the Horden Pavilion. It’ll be starting at 10pm and going well into the next day. The party will be celebrating togetherness with a solid line up of Australian and International DJ’s as well as some surprise visitors. Tickets are selling fast, with final release on sale now.

Comedowns

The classic way to end the party and farewell what would have been a very busy weekend is The Laneway. Held in the lanes around The Beresford Hotel on March 6, the day party will help you recoup from the night before and move into the last night of the Mardi Gras Festival with DJ’s and Drag Queens partying into the night. Some will sleep, some won’t… all will have fun.

From all of us here at QT Sydney, we would like to wish you a safe and happy 2016 Mardi Gras!

The Mardi Gras festivities finish on March 6, 2016.