More than half a million revellers have let loose on the streets of Sydney following the biggest Mardi Gras event ever with some looking worse for wear as they ended festivities early in the night.
Hundreds of thousands of revellers flocked to Sydney’s famous Oxford Street as the city transformed with colour and glitter for the 40th Mardi Gras parade.
As the night wore on, happy party-goers lost their inhibitions and let their enthusiasm overflow on the streets of city as rainbow banners flew overhead.
One raven-haired reveller was seen donning a red spaghetti-strapped dress paired with knee-high fishnet tights and black sunglasses
An exhausted attendee in a floral shirt checked his phone as he rested on the side of the kerb following the celebrations
Two friends appeared in high spirits as they were spotted chatting aside an empty box of beer, with one of the pair holding a wine glass
As the main event began to wind down, a number of celebrators were seen turning to their mobile devices as they sorted their next move
One raven-haired reveller was seen donning a red spaghetti-strapped dress paired with knee-high fishnet tights and black sunglasses while resting on the side of the road.
Another exhausted attendee in a floral shirt checked his phone as he rested on the side of the kerb following the celebrations.
Two friends appeared in high spirits as they were spotted chatting aside an empty box of beer, with one of the pair holding a wine glass.
A number of other celebrators were seen turning to their mobile devices as they sorted out their next move.
Saturday’s celebration was expected to attract a record crowd as organisers take the chance to look back on defining moments in the event’s history.
Groups of parade goers coordinated their outfits for the highly anticipated night of fun
Over 1000 police officers kept a close eye on party-goers as part of the night’s huge security operation
One man was seen taking a quick break following the madness wearing shorts and a pair of white shoes, while leaning on a pole and smoking a cigarette
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy made an appearance the Dykes on Bikes and Boys on Bikes kicked off the evening’s festivities.
Mr Turnbull described the parade as a ‘wonderful part of Sydney’.
‘It’s 40 years old and 40 years ago Lucy and I had our first date so our love affair is a result of Mardi Gras,’ Mr Turnbull said.
About 200 floats will make their way up the popular strip from 7pm, including a group of 250 people who were involved in the original 1978 demonstration and subsequent riot.
More than 12,000 people will take part in this year’s parade including Maude Boate, who has travelled from Broken Hill in far west NSW and isn’t new to the Mardi Gras scene.
Hundreds of thousands of revellers have flocked to Sydney’s famous Oxford Street as the city transforms with colour and glitter for the 40th Mardi Gras parade
Saturday’s celebration is expected to attract a record crowd as organisers take the chance to look back on defining moments in the event’s history
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy made an appearance the Dykes on Bikes and Boys on Bikes kicked off the evening’s festivities
‘It’s about my 30th Mardi Gras,’ she told AAP in Sydney on Saturday.
‘It’s a wonderful night and what a wonderful milestone it is for equality.’
For Kobie Howe and Katrina Stouppos, it’s the first time they have been able to celebrate Mardi Gras as a legally married couple in Australia.
‘This year we are marching with marriage equality, it’s an important year given what’s happened last year,’ Ms Howe told AAP.
‘It’s a great time to celebrate everyone’s individuality, differences and diversity.
About 200 floats will make their way up the popular strip from 7pm, including a group of 250 people who were involved in the original 1978 demonstration and subsequent riot
More than 12,000 people were expected to take part in the parade, which kicked off on Sydney’s Oxford Street on Saturday night
The 2018 edition of the parade is the first since same-sex marriage in Australia was legalised following a plebiscite last year
Tens of thousands of people flocked to the parade dressed in an assortment of eye-catching outfits
Some parade goers arrived on Saturday night dressed in studded, thigh-high leather boots and fish net stockings
The couple, who has been together for eight years, brought along their four-year-old daughter Mackie.
When asked what Mardi Gras meant to her, Mackie simply answered ‘marriage equality’.
There’s speculation pop superstar Cher – the headline act at the official party – could make a surprise appearance during the parade.
Mardi Gras creative director Greg Clarke stopped short of confirming the rumours but insisted people would not be disappointed.
Others dressed in colourful garments as they watched the parade floats go by from the sidewalk, where hoards of people gathered
Samba dancers performed at the parade – which has become a custom at Mardi Gras parades across the globe
The flesh was on display for young and old – as many arrived at the parade dressed in little more than a pair of underwear and sneakers
The parade was a chance for some to dress up in colourful costumes involving pink lycra, wigs, platform heels and fluffy ears
Drag Queen Ms J took centre stage during the night in a bright yellow dress and an extravagant matching floral headpiece
‘She has come all this way and … I’m sure she’s going to want to be in that parade,’ he told ABC news on Saturday.
‘A big surprise.’
More than 1000 police officers will keep a close eye on revellers as part of a huge security operation that will also involve strategically parked vehicles, an intelligence crew, mounted police, the riot squad and sniffer dogs.
Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell urged partygoers to look out for one another and plan their night ahead.
A number of roads will be closed, while thousands will be using public transport before and after the parade.
A total of 195 floats took part in the parade which was witnessed by some wearing budgy smugglers with knee-high white socks
Some participants couldn’t contain their excitement as they rolled past hundreds of thousands of people revelling in the party atmosphere
Mardi Gras creative director Greg Clarke insisted people would not be disappointed by what was in store at the parade
More than 1000 police officers kept a close eye on revellers as part of a huge security operation on the night
The security operation also involved strategically parked vehicles, an intelligence crew, mounted police, the riot squad and sniffer dogs
‘Police have been working with parade organisers and the LGBTIQ community to ensure a safe and fun night for all those taking part and supporting the event,’ he said on Saturday.
Some of the highlights of the night will include a giant champagne bottle to be popped at Taylor Square and a same-sex wedding ceremony during the parade.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting mild temperatures and mostly clear skies.
A number of roads were closed, while thousands used public transport to get to the parade on Saturday night
Groups of parade goers coordinated their outfits for the highly anticipated night of celebrations
Revellers were treated to comfortable Sydney weather on the night after the Bureau of Meteorology forecast mild temperatures and mostly clear skies
Some of the highlights of the night will include a giant champagne bottle to be popped at Taylor Square
A same-sex wedding ceremony was also scheduled to take place during the 40th anniversary of the parade in Sydney
Rainbow-coloured flags were worn as singlets, wrapped around bodies as capes and dangled from motorcycles