Thousands of revellers who flocked to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Mardi Gras parade have continued partying into the morning – and some might be worse for wear later on Sunday.
Partygoers dressed in tutus, feathers and all the colours of the rainbow packed the streets of Sydney after the annual event came to a close on Saturday night.
Merrymakers came together and danced on the road, under the watchful eye of NSW Police.
For the first time in its 43-year history the Mardi Gras parade did not go down Oxford Street but was instead held at the SCG.
Revellers donned their most colourful costumes for the 43rd Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday
Partying continued throughout the night as revellers dressed in bright colours spilled out onto the streets for a dance party
A group of friends smile for the camera during a sweet embrace as they partied through the night in Sydney
A massive 36,000 punters showed their pride with colourful ensembles, wild hairstyles and endless amounts of glitter at the SCG on Saturday evening
A man in fluro orange tights and a tutu dancers with another partygoer donning a feather boa, as they are cheered on by other merrymakers
Revellers throw an impromptu dance party on the street in Sydney on Saturday night at the conclusion of Mardi Gras celebrations
A man in bunny ears and another in a dressing gown pose for the camera during wild Mardi Gras celebrations on Saturday night
The annual celebration was forced to adapt its event because of the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on social gatherings.
But the changes did little to dim the spirts of 36,000 revellers, who showed their pride with colourful ensembles, wild hairstyles and endless amounts of glitter.
British pop star Rita Ora closed the iconic event with an electric performance. The SCG allowed crowds to stay seated while parade participants marched and danced past.
Wearing a revealing, sparkling electric blue costume and knee-high rainbow-coloured boots, Ora treated revellers to songs including Let You Love Me, Carry On and Bang Bang.
Two police officers are seen observing dozens of revellers who were keen to let their hair down on Saturday night
Sydneysiders let loose on Saturday at the conclusion of the Mardi Gras parade. This man was seen dancing passionately in the street
A heavy police presence was seen on Saturday night to ensure Mardi Gras celebrations went smoothly and that revellers were Covid-safe
Mardi Gras revellers dressed as cheerleaders in matching red and white uniforms gather together for a happy snap
A woman matched her yellow tutu with her socks, crop top and hoop earrings as she enjoyed Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations on Saturday
Two police officers on horses respond to Mardi Gras celebrations as part of a high-visibility operation across Moore Park, Oxford Street, Hyde Park
Two women in extravagant gold ensembles stand proudly in Sydney’s city following the Mardi Gras parade
A man dressed as a clown with pink curly hair glares at the camera during Mardi Gras celebrations
‘I’m a little bit emotional. This is my first show in a very, very long time so thank you,’ she said.
NSW Police launched a high-visibility operation across Moore Park, Oxford Street, Hyde Park and public transport routes to and from the area on Saturday night.
The police operation monitored compliance with current Public Health Orders and the safety of all participants and spectators.
The party continues! Revellers took to the street at the conclusion of Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade on Saturday night
Imogen Anthony, Simone Holtznagel, Bec Cvilikas, Kiki Morris, Juliette Herrera and Kiki Morris let loose at the VIP Honey Birdette lingerie Mardi Gras Party in Sydney on Saturday. All pictured
Partygoers throw their hands into the air as they dance freely on the street in Sydney after a successful – but different – Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras celebrations continued on the street as smiling revellers gathered together for a dance and further fun
Instagram star Imogen (left) donned a Cher costume complete with black leotard, long, curly dark wig and fishnet stockings
Also having an absolute ball at the VIP Honey Birdette lingerie Mardi Gras Party in Sydney was former Bachelor star Juliette Herrera (right)
Mardi Gras 2021 Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Gelina Talbot, said she was pleased the community was able to celebrate this year.
‘We knew Mardi Gras was going to look very different in 2021, so I’d like to thank the community for coming together today and celebrating peacefully and safely,’ Assistant Commissioner Talbot said.
‘We are in a unique position in Australia to be able to host events of this scale during a global health pandemic, and I commend the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras team for planning such a well-organised, COVID-safe event.’
UK Singer Rita Ora performed for the 43rd Mardi Gras at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday March 6, 2021
The international superstar told the audience she was ‘trying not to cry’ during this set and when it finished said, ‘I’ll never forget this’
Singer and I’m a Celebrity star Jack Vidgen, who identifies as gay, smiled broadly as he greeted fans during the parade
Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt points his fingers and does the twist in support of the gay community on Saturday night
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (left), Labor Senator Kristina Keneally (centre) and Federal Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek (right) wave as they pass through crowds
Actor Christian Wilkins sways his golden locks around and smiles as he bares his torso in a sparkly bralette and silver harem pants
Four people were arrested at the SCG just before 8pm after they entered the pitch dring the parade.
They were removed from the venue and were hit with a $165 fine each for climb/jump over fences/seats etc on lands without approval.
‘The main issue for police was preventing anti-social behaviour and ensuring COVID-19 safety protocols were maintained,’ Assistant Commissioner Talbot said.
‘While I’m pleased the majority of those who attended and enjoyed the festivities celebrated responsibly, it is very disappointing one group decided to attempt to disrupt the parade.’
Some people in the parade continued to protest, with one dressing up as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian trapped in a cage, wearing giant pearls and clutching the throat of a koala
Army members show off their marching skills as they walk across the green in their crisp-pressed and shapely uniforms
A gentleman appears to have done the weekly grocery shop before attending the parade, as he wears a short pink skirt, tiny wings and clear stilettos
Pretty in pink! Attendees snap a selfie as they enjoy the Mardi Gras 2021 celebrations at the Sydney Cricket Ground
This happy reveller enjoys a drink while watching the parade, dressed in glittery gold accessories and a see-through black top
Feathers galore as red hot dancers entertain admiring fans in flattering ensembles all the while rocking sky-high white heels
A pink Queen feigns flattery as admirers cheer her on as she sports a full-on fuschia gown and parades across the SCG
Former US President Donald Trump makes a surprising visit to this years Mardi Gras, wearing a ‘loser’ sashay and what appears to be a giant nappy
Mardi Gras celebrations begun with a protest on Oxford Street, as New South Wales made its first exemption to gathering restrictions for the demonstration.
‘This is a massive win for not only the right to protest but for the queer community to say that the fight against transphobia and homophobia cannot wait,’ activist group Pride in Protest said in a statement.
The regular annual Mardi Gras parade – which regularly draw over 10,000 participants and public crowds of at least 250,000 people was cancelled due to Covid concerns – and instead 30,000 people will gather for a ticketed event at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
All participants were subject to Covid guidelines such as wearing masks and social distancing, while dance floors around Sydney remain closed and non-official private parties around Sydney are limited to a maximum of 50 people.
Thousands of revellers have flocked to Sydney Cricket Ground for a Mardi Gras parade like never before. Two women embrace for a sweet kiss
Dressed in a smorgasbord of colourful feathers, jewels and silks, this Queen gives fans a very glittery, rainbow royal wave as she passes
This rider ballooned with pride as she paraded through the Sydney Cricket Ground in a low-cut vest on her bike covered in rainbows
Dykes on Bikes led the parade, zooming past cheering crowds rocking dark glasses, spiky hair and leather. Lots and lots of leather
The parade celebrates queer people from different backgrounds including First Nations, Pacific Islander and other Indigenous communities
Māori queers celebrate their identity with shirts saying ‘Haka for Life’ and traditional tattoos, outfits and dances during the parade
Transgender rights activists wear the traditional trans flag colours of blue, white and pink to celebrate during this years Mardi Gras
Two people pose for the camera in itty bitty bikini tops and glitter as they head to the SCG to celebrate Sydney queerdom
ANZ Bank staff wave to the cameras in shiny baby blue get-ups and silvery wigs, while brandishing their companies logo as they walk by
A colourful attendee at the parade reflects while wearing bright pink floral prints, gorgeous flowery body art and celebratory glitter
Even the men, women and others in blue were in on the fun on Saturday night, expressing support for queer members of the force and community
The march began on Saturday afternoon ahead of the official Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, which was moved to the Sydney Cricket Ground due to Covid-19 regulations.
Revelling protesters assembled at Taylor Square and set off raising awareness about a range of issues including women’s rights, gay and lesbian rights, the Religious Discrimination Bill, transgender rights, black deaths in custody and police brutality.
The green light from NSW Health meant a court showdown between activists and the police, who wanted the rally stopped, was called off at the last minute.
Pride in Protest approached Health Minister Brad Hazzard for an exemption to the 500-person limit on public gatherings on Thursday afternoon.
This pair shared an intimate kiss within the grounds, as the parade was started by a Welcome to Country and then rousing performances by musicians including Electric Fields
Three glamorous Mardi Gras attendees prove more is more as they show off in flamboyant feathers and gorgeous glittery outfits
Some joyous women celebrate under a rainbow flag and decorated with glitter as celebrations for Mardi Gras 2021 begin in Sydney
Sydney LGBTQI rights protesters kicked off the 2021 Mardi Gras celebrations with technicolour demonstrations along Oxford Street on Saturday afternoon
Revelling protesters assembled at Taylor Square and set off raising awareness about issues including women’s rights, gay and lesbian rights, the Religious Discrimination Bill, transgender rights, black deaths in custody and police brutality
A marcher pairs a Covid safe mask with a glamorous jewelled tiara, chunky black necklace and a singlet with a big, furry leather bear
New South Wales Health granted organisers an exemption from gathering restrictions, the first such exemption granted in NSW, with organisers trumpeting the decision as a victory for protest rights
Many people turned up to protest in the lead up to the Mardi Gras Parade in 2021, demonstrating against various topics while displaying their pride for the queer community
Mr Hazzard had previously refused an exemption for an Invasion Day rally in Sydney in January.
NSW MPs including Labor’s Jo Haylen and the Greens’ Jenny Leong wrote to Mr Hazzard over the pride rally, as did members of the ’78ers protest group, who started the Mardi Gras movement amid police violence.
Mr Hazzard agreed to the exemption on Friday morning after the group agreed to enhanced contact tracing processes. It has been 47 days since NSW recorded a locally-acquired coronavirus case.
‘This is a massive win for not only the right to protest but for the queer community to say that the fight against transphobia and homophobia cannot wait,’ activist group Pride in Protest said in a statement
A protester wearing bold red suspenders and brandishing a rainbow flag proudly, raises a fist during the march on Oxford Street
A gathering exemption for an Invasion Day rally in Sydney was refused earlier this year, but pride marchers showed their support for Indigenous rights during the protest on Saturday
These wild and proud marchers stripped down to enjoy the sun as they sit down during Mardi Gras celebrations on March 6