LGBTQ+ in Manchester

Pride Parade

The Village

A beacon of celebration in the city, the Village is a welcoming community of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and businesses open to all. Centred around Canal Street, you can expect to find a flourishing queer scene with entertainment on any night of the week.

Alternative queer clubbing

Whilst the Village is the undisputed centre of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ life, a thriving alternative club scene occupies safe spaces at nights like Kiss Me Again, Bollox, Homoelectric, and female led What She Said, with events at venues such as Hidden, The White Hotel, Firehouse, The Carlton Club and Derby Brewery Arms.

Manchester Pride

Held every August Bank Holiday Weekend, Manchester Pride is a four-day celebration featuring a festival-style programme of music with further events in and around the Gay Village including the famous parade, Youth Pride, Superbia and the poignant candlelit vigil.

Greater Manchester Pride events

For an intimate way to celebrate pride season, the individual boroughs across Greater Manchester host fantastic community events. From Salford’s The Pink Picnic held in Peel Park to events in towns like Bolton and Wigan. Manchester also hosts The Sparkle Weekend, the world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity.

LGBTQ+ art and culture

Contact theatre’s Queer Contact and Hope Mill Theatre’s Turn On Fest are just two annual festivals dedicated to LGBTQ+ arts and performance, whilst Sugar and Spice celebrates lesbian and bisexual women. A year-round programme at spots like HOME and 53two also feature plenty of queer culture.

Sport groups

As a major sporting city, it’s no surprise there’s a welcoming LGBTQ+ group for almost any sport you can think of. From the Village Manchester FC and Manchester Frontrunners, to the Village Spartan rugby club and GHAP badminton.

Queer history

Integral to the Campaign for Homosexual Equality in 1964, Manchester has always been at the centre of queer activism in the UK. You can follow the city’s queer history on the LGBT+ Heritage Trail which takes in locations including the Alan Turing statue, and the National Transgender Memorial Garden. LGBT+ walking tours are operated by Free Manchester Tours most Saturdays.

For more information see: visitmanchester.com

1,000 SYDNEYSIDERS CREATE GIANT HUMAN PROGRESS FLAG AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

• 
  Moment marks 44^th anniversary of first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
• World is welcomed to Sydney, Australia for Sydney WorldPride, 17 February-5 March 2023
• Tickets go on sale at 09:00 AEST 15 July, with more than 500,000 people expected to attend
• 2023 celebrates 50^th anniversary of the first Pride Week, 45^th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and the 5^th anniversary of marriage equality
• Sydney WorldPride is proudly supported by Principal Partner, American Express, Strategic Partner, Destination NSW and Government Partner, City of Sydney.

Nearly 1,000 Sydneysiders have created a giant human Progress Flag on the steps of the Sydney Opera House

The colourful display marks the 44^th anniversary of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and sends a message of welcome to the world as Sydney, Australia gears up to host WorldPride in 2023, with the hotly-anticipated tickets going on sale from 15 July. Locals and visitors alike can sign up to access early bird tickets.

Sydney’s famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a must-do in the calendar of global Pride festivals – and Sydney WorldPride will be 17-day celebration of Australian LGBTQIA+ fabulousness, with over 300 events across the city.

Taking place from 17 February to 5 March 2023, Sydney WorldPride will celebrate Australia’s brilliant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community, in a city renowned for its diversity, inclusivity and proud LGBTQIA+ population.

More than 500,000 people are expected to participate in Sydney WorldPride and the festival will feature much-loved events including the world-famous Mardi Gras Parade, which will be returning to Oxford Street for the first time in three years.

In addition, there will be exciting one-off Sydney WorldPride major events:

• Live & Proud – Sydney WorldPride’s Opening Concert, presented by American Express – we’re getting the party started with this opening concert, hosted by Courtney Act and Casey Donovan.
• Pride Villages – for 10 days from 24 February, sections of Crown Street and Riley Street will be closed and become home to stalls, dining and performances. On the final weekend of Sydney WorldPride, a section of Oxford Street itself will be closed to create a giant street party.
• Bondi Beach Party, presented by Optus – for one day only, the sandy jewel of Sydney will become the city’s hottest club for 12,000 people.
• Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference – the largest LGBTQIA+ human rights conference ever held in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert – experience a rainbow explosion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ artistry, across a two-hour concert hosted by Steven ‘Faboriginal’ Oliver at the Sydney Opera House.
• First Nations Gathering Space – held at Carriageworks and running across six nights, featuring exhibits, theatre, dining and drag.
• Rainbow Republic, presented by Optus – six hours of live music, DJs and performances await you at The Domain, for a queer megamix of international and local acts.
• Ultra Violet – an inclusive LGBTQIA+ women’s party at Sydney’s Town Hall where burlesque stars, cabaret performers and drag kings take to the stage.
• Domain Dance Party – dance with 10,000 of your mates at the biggest LGBQTIA+ outdoor dance party Australia has ever seen.
• Pride March – 50,000 people will join this historic Pride march across one of the world’s most-recognisable landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Local and international headliners for major events will be revealed later this year.

Sydney WorldPride Chief Operating Officer, Gabriel Pinkstone, said: “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 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 Sydney WorldPride’s major events, there will be over 60 specially curated arts events and more than 20 sporting events as part of WorldPride Arts and WorldPride Sports. WorldPride Arts has been made possible thanks to Create NSW.

Sydney WorldPride will also feature a special 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.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said: “Sydney WorldPride 2023 will showcase our incredible and inclusive city to a global audience and will re-establish Sydney as a must-visit destination for visitors.”

“It’ll be the first time this event has been held in the Southern Hemisphere and has the potential to be the biggest event Sydney has seen since the Sydney 2000 Olympics.”

“As a city and a state, we are embracing the freedom we have earned through the hard times of the past two years.”

“The NSW Government continues to invest in world-class entertainment, hospitality and events; our goal is to be the events capital of the Asia-Pacific and supporting Sydney WorldPride 2023 helps achieve this.”

“NSW is ready to host this event and we are encouraging visitors to make the trip to enjoy the best that Sydney has to offer.”

Local artists, producers and party promoters are also being invited to take part in Pride Amplified, a dedicated open access program for arts, culture, experiences and parties, with hundreds of events expected to take place across Greater Sydney.

Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, said: “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!”

“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.”

Gil Beckwith, Chief Financial Officer, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, said: "We’re incredibly excited to welcome the world’s LGBTQIA+ communities to our city for Sydney WorldPride and Mardi Gras.”

“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.”

TICKETS

Every year, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the hottest summer event in Sydney, with international headliners and visitors from around the globe joining one of the world’s most renowned Pride festivals.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 09:00 AEST on 15 July via SydneyWorldPride.com.

To secure early access to Sydney WorldPride tickets, sign up now at sydneyworldpride.com to access pre-sale tickets from 09:00 AEST on 11 July. Mardi Gras Members not only get pre-sale access, but discounted tickets on many Mardi Gras events.

American Express Card Members will also have access to a selection of Sydney WorldPride pre-sale tickets from 9am AEST, Monday 11 July via the American Express website (T&Cs apply).

Sydney WorldPride is proud to offer $49 + booking fee tickets to select events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through MobTix, and for select concession card holders through our Affordability Program.

Special thanks to Gildan Brands Australia for their generous donation of over 1,000 Gildan t-shirts worn by the participants in the Human Progress Flag.

Photos and videos of the event HERE

For further enquiries, contact Matt Fraser: matt@originalspin.com.au / 0401 326 007

ABOUT WORLDPRIDE

WorldPride is a global event licensed by InterPride, which is awarded to a different host city every 2-3 years.  

Like the Olympics, cities bid to host the event and deliver a comprehensive program of arts, culture and festivals designed to engage global LGBTQIA+ audiences. The first WorldPride took place in Rome in July 2000, followed by Jerusalem (2006), London (2012), Toronto (2014), Madrid (2017), New York (2019) and Copenhagen + Malmo (2021). 

FULL LIST OF 2023 EVENTS

A full list of the Sydney WorldPride festival’s events is as follows:

• 18 February: Pink Salt, Newcastle
• 19 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

Guernsey hosts Channel Islands Pride, first UK Gay Pride party of the year

The UK Channel Island of Guernsey hosted possibly the only physical LGBTQ+ Pride parade in the UK on 12 September.

Celebrations took place after Guernsey was the first place in the UK to be declared Covid-free with no active cases in over 100 days.

The celebrations included the Pride Parade in Guernsey’s capital St Peter Port, the Rainbow Chorus Choir and The BBC Voice’s singer Ivy Paige on the main stage.

The annual event was again sponsored by the Channel Islands Co-Op.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
Website: www.visitguernsey.com

Signature Luxury Travel & Style launches new LGBTQ+ travel platform

There's no denying the buying power of the LGBTQ+ community – in 2019, it was estimated to be worth more than US$3.7 trillion across the globe. LGBTQ+ travel is a fast-growing and dynamic sector of the Australian and international travel market with an annual spend in excess of US$218 billion, according to global LGBTQ+ consulting firm, Out Now. Australians make a sizable contribution to this total, adding more than $6.9 billion dollars with an average annual growth rate of 2.8 per cent.

With this combined buying power across almost every genre of luxury products, leisure and business travel – from high-end fashion, home styling, luxury cars and lifestyle products to luxury cruising, adventure, food and wine, hotels, resorts, private villas and the family sector – the global LGBTQ+ community travels more often, spends more money, and is constantly looking to expand its horizons beyond any other demographic.

To meet the ever-growing demand for expert, relevant and topical information, advice and inspiration to reach a broader range of travellers, Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine is launching a dedicated LGBTQ+ offering in print and online.

Signature Media CEO & Group Editor Cathy Wagstaff says: “There is a demand in the Australian travel market for in-depth, meaningful intelligence for this significant tourism sector. Our goal is to provide the highest-quality content for LGBTQ+ travellers to be able to travel better, and also to promote equality for all travellers.”

She adds: “We are engaging reputable, high-profile and specialist travel writers as regular contributors, writing engaging first-person narratives, reviews and independent content that will focus on news, events and welcoming destinations for these sophisticated travellers.”

This inclusive travel content will be seamlessly integrated into the quarterly print magazine, fortnightly enewsletters and on a dedicated hub online here. The first feature are a list of the safest and most welcoming countries to visit, ranked by the LGBTQ+ Danger Index, available here and a feature on the best global LGBTQ+ events and Festivals for 2021 here.

Signature Media welcomes LGBTQ+ news, statistics, editorial pitches and press releases. Please send news and releases to news@signaturemedia.com.au and editorial pitches to editor@signaturemedia.com.au.

About Signature Luxury Travel & Style
Signature Luxury Travel & Style is Australia's leading and widest circulating, audited luxury travel and lifestyle publication for discerning world travellers. For the past decade, we have inspired our affluent readers with bespoke travel experiences, Michelin-starred cuisine, sophisticated style, desirable luxury goods, stunning home design and MICE/team-building getaways. Our ethos at Signature is to provide high-quality editorial content on the best the world has to offer.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
Website: www.signaturemagazine.com.au

Tags: #SignatureLuxuryTravel&Style, #lgbtq+, #SignatureMedia, #CathyWagstaff

SYDNEY CELEBRATES WHAT MATTERS AT 2020 MARDI GRAS PARADE

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade took place last night, bringing together an estimated 300,000 spectators who lined the streets, balconies and rooftops of Oxford Street to cheer on the 12,600 marchers taking part in the world’s biggest celebration of the LGBTQI community.

Mardi Gras’ 2020 theme was WHAT MATTERS, a motif that built on the legacy of Mardi Gras as a platform for activism and encouraged the public to examine what can be done to build an even more inclusive future. Many of the floats in the Parade used the theme as a call to action, choosing to showcase a diverse array of important issues facing the community.

Reflecting on the Parade, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said, ‘Last night was a dazzling display of diversity that brought together people from across the globe to celebrate what truly matters.’

‘In total there were 191 floats, representing a spectacular cross section of the community and each bringing their own terrific twist to this year’s theme.’

‘This year we collectively reflected on a number of issues facing our community. From LGBTQI homelessness to the Australian bushfires and climate change, many of this year’s floats had a distinct point of view on the issues that matter most’.

‘And of course, having Sam Smith and Dua Lipa join us on the parade route was a fittingly glittering finale to a truly unforgettable night,’ said Albert Kruger.

As the sparkling spectacle came to a close, 12,000 revelers kept the celebration going at the iconic Mardi Gras After Party, which took over Hordern Pavilion and surrounding venues until 8am.

Artists who performed at the Party included international superstars Dua Lipa, Kesha and Sam Smith, as well as Brazilian drag phenomenon Pabllo Vittar.

The electrifying line-up of local and international DJs included: Ayebatonye, Cupids Cut, Charlie Villas, DJ Kilimi, Estée Louder, Kate Doherty, Magda Bytnerowicz, Trinity, Whiskey Houston, DJ Hamo, Kate Monroe, DJ Nate, Atomic Blonde & Dutch Kiss, Dameeeela, Barry Harris (CAN), Midland (UK) and DJ Joelby (UK)

The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

IT'S OUT THERE CAMPAIGN SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON BROKEN HILL AND THE CENTRAL DARLING REGION

Visitors are being encouraged to experience ‘a different kind of outback’ in Broken Hill and the Central Darling region through a new marketing campaign launched this week by the NSW Government.

It’s Out There has been developed by Destination NSW together with Broken Hill City Council and Central Darling Shire.

The campaign was brought to life for more than 200 travel and lifestyle media today with Destination NSW creating a replica pop-up in Sydney of the Heritage-listed outback town’s famous Bells Milk Bar.

The nation’s oldest continuously running milk bar served milkshakes at International Media Marketplace (IMM) – Australia’s largest travel and lifestyle media summit which was held at the International Convention Centre Sydney.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the campaign has been developed to drive visitation to the region and encourage longer stays.

“Many people have heard of Broken Hill and its surrounds, but what they don’t realise is how many incredible, quirky and diverse experiences this region has to offer,” Mr Ayres said.

“This marketing campaign showcases Broken Hill and the Central Darling region as a ‘different kind of outback’ – one that is full of spirit, history, diversity and character to explore and uncover. In addition to its striking landscapes, this region has a strong community of incredible artists, a vibrant drag culture and a unique Aboriginal cultural heritage.”

Broken Hill City Council Mayor Darriea Turley AM said: “Broken Hill City Council has been very keen to get out there and pursue strategic marketing and this campaign will show the world that we can provide a unique and genuine outback experience in the Far West.

“I believe we offer a level of authenticity that is unmatched in the tourism market and our product is showcased perfectly in this campaign,” Ms Turley said.

Central Darling Shire Council Administrator Bob Stewart said, “This marketing campaign reveals the landscape and cultural features that our Shire has to offer… I encourage anyone who has never been here before – come and see it for yourself – you will be surprised and enchanted.”

Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall said that while towns in the region continue to deal with the impacts of drought, it has never been more important to visit these areas, and provide a cash injection to local economies.

“Whether you’re from the bush, or from the city, there has never been a better time to explore what Broken Hill and the wider Central Darling region has to offer,” Mr Marshall said.

Photo: Delegates from Broken Hill City Council, Destination NSW and NSW Government at IMM in Sydney to launch the new tourism marketing campaign "It's Out There" for Broken Hill and Central Darling. (L-R) Philmah Bocks, General Manager Broken Hill City Council, James Roncon, Broken Hill Mayor, Darriea Turley AM, Chair Destination Country and Outback, Clyde Thomson AM, Broken Heel Festival Director, Esther La Rovere, Acting CEO Destination NSW, Stephen Mahoney, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Major Events, Geoff Provest, General Manager Destination Country and Outback, Lucy White and Art Simone.

Sharing what matters at the 2020 Mardi Gras Parade

Today over 12,600 dazzling parade participants will sashay their way up Oxford Street for the 42nd annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade!

"We have some truly wonderful parade floats who have embraced the theme of WHAT MATTERS," says Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger. "From pure celebration and creative self-expression, to floats with a wild and witty protest call to action, the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is an opportunity for us to come together and tell the world about the things that are important to the LGBTQI+ community."

With 191 diverse floats, each taking their own unique take on the festival’s theme WHAT MATTERS, this year’s Parade promises to be a stunning display of celebration, passion and support.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres adds: "Since 2009, the NSW Government has proudly supported the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Sydney is a truly cosmopolitan city with a proud history of celebrating diversity, so it’s no wonder visitors flock from all around the globe to witness this incredible display of pride and creativity."

Here are a few floats not to miss:

Climate Change and Sustainability
Following the recent bushfire crisis, several floats are calling attention to the health of our planet. Le Petit Bateau are a collective of artists who are planning a colourful ocean theme float made using plastic bottles and recycled materials. Expect mermaids, sexy octopuses and incredible choreography.

Mardi Gras’ main float focuses on What Matters and is a powerful and creative protest for the world that draws attention to climate and sustainability. The float is built with love for the planet and hope for the future, featuring a genderless puppet Ze, a Gaia to remind people that all of earth’s inhabitants are alive and connected.

Bushfire Heroes
The heroes from the frontline of the recent bushfires will also come together and be celebrated on Parade night. LGBTQI+ community members and their allies from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW State Emergency Services will proudly take to Oxford Street in a symbol of unity for their LGBTQI+ members and the community.

Anniversaries
Two community organisations will be commemorating significant anniversaries at the Parade. 35 years ago, St Vincent's Hospital opened the first dedicated HIV/AIDS ward in Australia - 17 South. This year their float pays tribute to how far we have come since then, both in overcoming the stigma associated with a positive diagnosis and also in transforming HIV into a manageable chronic condition for almost all of those living with HIV in Australia today.

Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Australia’s longest-running HIV charity, will also be at the Parade celebrating 35 years of helping people living with HIV to live longer, healthier lives.

Regional AustraliaLGBTQI+ communities in regional areas across Australia will have their moment in the spotlight with the likes of Newcastle Pride, Central Coast Pride, Shellharbour, Broken Heel Festival and Country Queens all featuring huge and colourful parade entries. For the very first time ever, these regional areas will also become Parade live sites, screening the Parade in full so their communities and supporters back home can cheer them on as they strut their stuff in Sydney.

Mardi Gras Volunteers Farewell
Daniel Lester, a Mardi Gras Parade volunteer who has been involved in the Parade for 20 consecutive years will farewell Mardi Gras with a float featuring other Parade volunteers, friends and family. This important float shines a light on the wonderful people that dedicate their free time to helping spread LGBTQI+ awareness at the annual Parade.

The LGBTQI Homeless
A poignant message requiring urgent attention is LGBTQI+ homelessness. The float Please Don’t Forget Our Homeless aims to highlight the growing number of LGBTQI+ homeless, in particular the elderly who are living in their cars. The float will take to the Parade with a simple message and endeavors to be a voice for those who are the most vulnerable in our society.

Celebrating the colourful collision of creativity and culture across our communities, the world-renowned Mardi Gras Parade unites hundreds of thousands of revellers for the biggest night on the LGBTQI+ calendar.

Crowds line the streets for hours in anticipation of the Parade, which is open for all to enjoy, so make your way to Oxford Street or Flinders St early to get the best viewing place and experience this creative playground under the stars. Find out more about about planning your Parade experience here.

The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

SYDNEY TO CELEBRATE WHAT MATTERS AT MARDI GRAS PARADE

Final rehearsals and preparations are underway for today’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

Spectators will line the streets, balconies and rooftops of Oxford Street to cheer on the 12,600 marchers and 191 floats starring in the colourful celebration of the LGBTQI community.

The 2020 theme WHAT MATTERS highlights the legacy of Mardi Gras as a platform for activism, and a call to action for the public to consider important issues facing the community.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade starts at 7.30pm from the top of Oxford Street (near Hyde Park) and for the first time will be broadcast live on SBS, hosted by comedian Joel Creasey, Studio 10 host Narelda Jacobs, drag icon Courtney Act and comedian Zoe Coombs Marr.

For full details: mardigras.org.au

Regional live viewing sites will also be hosted across NSW and the country including in Broken Hill, Central Coast, Lismore, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga.

Broken Hill will be represented at the parade through the Broken Heel Festival float – a celebration of the outback centre’s own nod to iconic film Priscilla Queen of the Desert which featured the town. Broken Heel Festival will bring together desert, disco and divas from 10-14 September 2020 and tickets are now available.

Pictured: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras officials, NSW Government representative Shayne Mallard MLC and Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell with Parade participants.

Courtney Act Performed on Sydney Harbour Bridge to Kick Off Bridgeclimb's Mardi Gras Celebrations

Award-winning drag queen Courtney Act performed on top of Australia's iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on Thursday 6 February to kick off BridgeClimb's Mardi Gras celebrations. This was the first drag performance on the globally famous structure.

“What a buzz to sing live on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Summit sundeck was definitely one of the most fabulous stages I've performed on and the crowd's energy was phenomenal. Sydney is definitely ready to strut into Mardi Gras now," said Courtney Act.

Courtney wearing a completely custom climb-suit sashayed and sung live to an array of pride anthems including Lizzo's Juice, Katy Perry's Teenage Dream and Kylie's classic All The Lovers to a 50 strong crowd of fans at the top of the iconic structure.

Just before Courtney began her performance, climbers were treated to a surprise proposal from local Courtney Act fans, when Andrew popped the question to Mike at the Summit. The couple first met in Spain eight years ago with Mike following his heart and moving from Switzerland to Sydney so they could be together. The couple now live in beautiful Kirribilli with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, making it the perfect place to propose.

Climbers included executive pastry chef Anna Polyviou, makeup artist Max May, Amazing Race Winners Tim and Rod and celebrity PTs Blake Bridges and Heston Russell.

BridgeClimb has been taking visitors from around the world to the Summit of the internationally-adored Sydney Harbour Bridge since 1998. Over four million local and international visitors have climbed the bridge in the last 21 years.

#bridgeclimb #sydney #mardigras #courtneyact

Website: www.bridgeclimb.com

10 DAYS UNTIL MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL

The countdown is on until Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020, with the Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony for 14 February at Sydney Town Hall marking the start of this year’s festival. 

There are plenty of events being held around Sydney throughout the 17-day festival, including dazzling dance parties, top-tier theatre, music and world-class workshops. 

The pinnacle event, the Mardi Gras Parade, is taking place on Saturday 29 February and will feature an incredible line-up of stars including Sam Smith, Dua Lipa, Kesha and Brazillian drag superstar Pabllo Vittar. 

Find out more about the festival and buy tickets to key events here.

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR SAM SMITH ANNOUNCED AS SPECIAL GUEST AT SYDNEY’S MARDI GRAS PARADE AND PARTY!

They’ll have you dancing with a stranger! Pop pioneer Sam Smith is headed to the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and will later join the official Mardi Gras Party with an electrifying performance on Saturday 29 February 2020.

Sam Smith has established themselves as one of the world’s most soulful voices and has topped the charts worldwide with hits including: “Money on My Mind”, “Stay With Me”, “Writings on the Wall”, “Too Good at Goodbyes” and 2018 dancefloor anthem “Promises” (with Calvin Harris).

Since the release of their 2014 debut album, “In The Lonely Hour”, Sam Smith has sold over 25 million adjusted albums worldwide and notched up an impressive seven UK No. 1 records to date. They have also been recognized at the highest level, earning four GRAMMY Awards®, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and three BRIT Awards.

Sam’s visit comes off the back of a stellar 2019 in which they released global smash hits, “How Do You Sleep?” which has amassed close to 1 billion streams worldwide and early-2019 collaboration with Normani, “Dancing With A Stranger” which has reached almost 2 billion streams and became a No. 1 airplay hit in the U.S., Australia and the U.K.

One of the music industry’s most influential LGBTQI voices, Sam has used their platform to advocate for a broad spectrum of queer issues. Coming out as non-binary in 2019, the singer has spoken publicly about their experiences and helped to improve public awareness of what it means to be genderqueer. They have also been honoured for their contributions to the LGBTQI community with the award for Best Music Artist at the 2016 British LGBT Awards and a nomination for Outstanding Musical Artist at the 2018 GLAAD Media Awards.

Sam Smith will be joining a line-up of pop royalty including previously announced headliner Dua Lipa, Kesha and Brazillian drag superstar Pabllo Vittar, as well as a stacked line-up of eccentric and extraordinary DJs.

With very limited tickets left available for the official Mardi Gras Party, organisers are encouraging revellers to get in quick!

The Mardi Gras Party is Australia’s most treasured LGBTQI Party! 2020 will see Mardi Gras transform The Hordern Pavilion and surrounding areas into a brand-new adult playland, bursting with music, light and performance across new fantasy worlds for you to immerse yourself. Continue riding the joyous vibes post-Parade as our communities come together in this multi-sensory feast.

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night, final release tickets are on sale now and selling fast! To book, go to www.mardigras.org.au.

Mardi Gras Party ‘20
The Hordern Pavilion and surrounding areas, Moore Park
Saturday 29 February, 2020
10pm – 8am
Fourth release tickets on sale now at $187.20 + transaction fees at mardigras.org.au
#sydneymardigras
#MGparty

RAZILIAN DRAG SUPERSTAR PABLLO VITTAR AND PHENOMENAL DJ'S ANNOUNCED FOR MARDI GRAS PARTY

Pioneering drag artist Pabllo Vittar and a slew of incredible local and international DJ’s have just been announced to join this year’s epic Mardi Gras Party line-up on Saturday 29 February, 2020.

Ahead of her Australian debut, Pabllo Vittar has donated to the WIRES Wildlife Rescue. She notes, “The world is seeing what Australia is going through right now, I have donated to WIRES Wildlife Rescue and I encourage you guys to do the same."

Exploding onto the scene in 2014 a fully-formed superstar, Vittar is one of South America’s most popular exports and the most followed drag queen on social media. She has amassed half a billion Spotify streams and a billion YouTube views, and earlier this year was the first drag queen to ever win an MTV Music Award.

Vittar’s innate swagger and powerful vocals have seen her collaborate with high-profile music acts like Major Lazer, Charli XCX, Sofi Tukker, Anitta, and Diplo. ‘Flash Pose’, Vittar’s first single from her highly anticipated third album ‘111’, is already on regular rotation on dance floors around the world and has racked up an impressive 18 million views online.

An outspoken advocate, Vittar uses her platform as a popstar to demand equality for LGBTQI communities in Brazil and beyond, fusing the personal with the cultural and political, and refusing not to hide who she is to the world.

This year's Mardi Gras Party is also set to feature an electrifying line-up of local and international DJs including: Ayebatonye, Cupids Cut, Charlie Villas, DJ Kilimi, Estée Louder, Kate Doherty, Magda Bytnerowicz, Trinity, Whiskey Houston, DJ Hamo, Kate Monroe, DJ Nate, Atomic Blonde & Dutch Kiss, Dameeeela, Barry Harris (CAN), Midland (UK) and DJ Joelby (UK)

Pabllo Vittar and this year’s monster line-up of DJs join previously announced pop sensations Dua Lipa and Kesha for what is set to be an unmissable night of revelry.

The Mardi Gras Party is Australia’s most treasured LGBTQI Party! 2020 will see Mardi Gras transform the Hordern Pavilion and surrounding areas into a brand-new adult play land, bursting with music, light and performance across new fantasy worlds for you to immerse yourself. Continue riding the joyous vibes post-Parade as our communities come together in this multi-sensory feast.

Get in quick, final release tickets are on sale now and selling fast! To book, go to www.mardigras.org.au.

Mardi Gras Party ‘20
The Hordern Pavilion and surrounding areas, Moore Park
Saturday 29 February, 2020
10pm – 8am
Final release tickets on sale now at $221.95 + transaction fees at mardigras.org.au
#sydneymardigras
#MGparty

PRAISE FOR PABLLO VITTAR

"How This Brazilian Drag Queen Is Taking the Pop World By Storm—And Fighting for LGBTQ Rights Along the Way"
TIME

"This openness to surreal sounds, combined with an innate swagger and a transnational perspective, is precisely what makes Vittar an emblematic pop star of our time.”
Rolling Stone

"Pabllo Vittar Is the World's Most Popular Drag Queen, and in Brazil, That’s More Important Than Ever."
VOGUE

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is proudly supported by the NSW Go