The iconic Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returns in February-March 2024.
The programme is bursting at the sequinned seams, celebrating all corners of the LGBTQIA+ community and boasting more than 100 community events, dance parties, theatre and music, culminating with the globally renowned Parade.
The 2023 event was a celebration of the festival’s 45th anniversary. In 2024, the event shines even brighter with a forward-focused theme: ‘Our Future’. It’s a commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and optimism, celebrating past achievements and illuminating the path to the future.
“For 45 years, the energy, vibrancy, and unity of Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras has made it a globally significant event. And each year, our commitment to bringing forth an even more fabulous celebration grows,” Sydney Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith says.
Sissy Ball
“In 2024, we embrace our roots and look forward with eager anticipation to our future. Our mission is clear: to echo the voices of our communities, to champion progress and instigate impactful change.”
The Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras features a range of new and major events in 2024, including. . .
Bondi Beach Party – A beachside celebration which captured hearts art Sydney WorldPride. Bringing together 15,000 revellers Wirth Bondi Beach as the backdrop for international DJs and performances.
Ultra Violet – Another favourite from WorldPride, tailored for LGBTQIA+ women, set at National Art School and curated by Seta Gilerman and Jess Hill.
Festival First Light – A city-wide Welcome To Country, led by Elders from across the Sydney Basin.
Hot Trans Summer – A trans and gender-diverse takeover of floating, luxury venue Glass Island. Set to be a celebration of the trans and gender-diverse community, boasting an all-trans line-up.
Queer Futures – Talks an ideas, conversations ranging from sport to the arts, politics, education.
Diamond Dance – A party celebrating Pollys Club’s 60th year, through nostalgic rhythms and stand-out acts.
Oxtravaganza/Darlo Big Drag Brunch – An eclectic two-week fringe festival featuring nightly performances, art showcases, a family zone and more. Returning from 2023 is Darlo Big Drag Brunch, as Oxford Street and surrounds is taken over by Drag Brunches.
Marks Park Dawn Sunrise Service Of Reflection – A poignant dawn service to remember and honour victims of homophobic and transphobic violence in the ‘70s and ‘90s.
‘& Juliet’ – A one-night-only Mardi Gras special performance of the smash-hit musical.
Iconic and familiar events will make their return too – including rogress Pride Flag Raising, Fair Day, Paradiso Pool Party, Kaftana Pool Party, Laugh Out Proud, Sissy Ball, Queer Art After Hours, Mardi Gras Party, Laneway, and the jewel in the Mardi Gras crown, the Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Kaftana Pool Party - Image © Lexy Potts
“Sydney Mardi Gras is an annual highlight on Sydney's calendar, and the City of Sydney is proud to support this celebration of protest and pride,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO says. “The Progress Pride Flag will be flown above Town Hall as a symbol of inclusion, acceptance and diversity. The lasting legacy of this year's Mardi Gras will be the opening of Qtopia: Sydney's newest museum, dedicated to telling the stories of our wonderful rainbow community.”
“On a personal note, this will be my 32nd year marching in the parade, although I started judging floats in the ‘80s! I am proud to be an ally and champion of the LGBTQIA+ community and look forward to Sydney being awash in glitter and sequins once more!”
Tickets are on sale 20 November at 10am.
Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 is on from 16 February-3 March.
