Nearly 1,000 Sydneysiders have come together to create a giant human Progress Flag, on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
It makes the 44th anniversary of the first ever Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras, also sending a message of welcome to the world as Sydney gears up to host WorldPride in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Mardi Gras is a must-do in the global calendar of Pride festivals. Sydney WorldPride is set to celebrate Australia’s brilliant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community, in a city renowned for its diversity, inclusivity and proud queer population. More than 500,000 people are expected to participate in Sydney WorldPride. It will feature much-loved events, including the world-famous Mardi Gras Parade, returning to Oxford Street for the first time in three years.
“In just a few months, Sydney will be transformed as more than 500,000 people come together for the global family reunion LGBTQIA+ people have been waiting for,” Sydney WorldPride Chief Operating Officer Gabriel Pinkstone says.
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“Sydney WorldPride is a party with a purpose, and will celebrate Sydney’s most iconic locations, from Bondi Beach to the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.”
“It’s the biggest summer event of 2023 and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to celebrate Pride with Australia’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community.”
As well as the festival’s major events, there will also be more than 60 specially-curated arts events and more than 20 sporting events. Plus, there’ll be a one-off event in Newcastle called Pink Salt – an outdoor long table dinner to be hosted at The Station, featuring live performances and outrageous design.
“The city is proud to be a fierce ally of the rainbow community and we are delighted to welcome the world to Sydney for Pride in 2023!” Lord Mayor Of Sydney Clover Moore says.
“This is a fantastic moment for Sydney. Hosting WorldPride 2023 is an affirmation of our city as a richly diverse and accepting society, open to the world and inclusive of all, and a wonderful opportunity to help our arts, tourism and hospitality sectors that were so hard hit by the COVID pandemic.”
Image © Getty Images
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome the world’s LGBTQIA+ communities to our city for Sydney WorldPride and Mardi Gras,” Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Chief Financial Officer Gil Beckwith adds.
“This event will not only showcase the iconic surrounds of Sydney and NSW as a premier tourist destination, but it will also boost the profile of the Mardi Gras Festival to international audiences, creating a legacy that will have an important impact for the growth of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and our community in years to come.”
Sydney WorldPride 2023 takes place from 17 February-5 March. Tickets go on sale 15 July.
WorldPride 2023 Event Calendar
18 February – Pink Salt, Newcastle19 February – Mardi Gras Fair Day, presented by American Express (free event)
20 February – Mardi Gras Paradiso Pool Party
23-28 February – First Nations Gathering Space (free entry to main space, plus ticketed performances)
24 February – Live & Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, presented by American Express
24 February-5 March – Pride Villages (free event) – Crown, Riley and Oxford Street partial closures
25 February – Mardi Gras Parade (free and paid viewing available)
25 February – Mardi Gras Party
26 February – Mardi Gras Laneway
26 February – Domain Dance Party
1 March – Mardi Gras Kaftana Pool Party
1-3 March – Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference
2 March – Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert
3 March – Ultra Violet
3 March – Mardi Gras Laugh Out Proud
4 March – Bondi Beach Party, presented by Optus
4 March – Mardi Gras Sissy Ball
5 March – Rainbow Republic, presented by Optus
5 March – Pride March
This story originally appeared on our queer sister site, FROOTY.
