Rainbows, glitter and VERY revealing outfits: Revellers arrive for Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade as Kylie Minogue is rumoured to perform at a secret show and bars relax strict lock-out laws
- Crowd of 300,000 revellers are expected to soak in the festivities at the LGBTQI’s annual night of celebration
- Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Mooore said theme ‘Fearless’ drew attention to the bravery of sexual minorities
- 200 floats will make their way down Sydney’s famous Oxford Street between 7pm and 11pm on Saturday night
- Glitter-filled celebrations set to go on long into Sunday morning, with NSW government relaxing lockout laws
Advertisement
Revellers have arrived at Sydney’s Oxford Street for the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade amid rumours pop star Kylie Minogue will make a surprise appearance.
A crowd of around 300,000 revellers are expected to soak in the festivities at the LGBTQI’s annual night of celebration – which is marking its 41st year.
The glitter-filled celebrations are set to go on long into Sunday morning, with the NSW government relaxing its lockout laws to allow venues to serve alcohol as late as 3.30am.
Revellers have arrived at Sydney’s Oxford Street for the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade amid rumours pop star Kylie Minogue will make a surprise appearance
A crowd of around 300,000 revellers are expected to soak in the festivities at the LGBTQI’s annual night of celebration – which is marking its 41st year
The glitter-filled celebrations are set to go on long into Sunday morning, with the NSW government relaxing its lockout laws to allow venues to serve alcohol as late as 3.30am
200 floats will make their way down the famous Sydney street between 7pm and 11pm, with the event’s theme chosen as ‘Fearless’ for 2019
Once again? Kylie graced the Sydney Mardi Gras in 2012 (pictured) and rumours are rife she will do so once again this weekend
200 floats will make their way down the famous Sydney street between 7pm and 11pm, with the event’s theme chosen as ‘Fearless’ for 2019.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Mooore said the theme aimed to draw attention to the bravery of those in the LGBTQI community who had fought against discrimination.
‘Many LGBTIQ people feel lonely and isolated and Mardi Gras gives you the opportunity to reach out for help, to be fearless,’he said.
As the crowds gathered at the start of the 1.7km route in Hyde Park, attendees wearing an array of feathers, glitter and elaborate head pieces were pictured kicking off the carnival atmosphere.
They were joined by an equally strong police presence, with more than 1000 officers deployed in the city’s CBD as part of a high-visibility operation.
Members of the Public Order and Riot Squad, the dog unit and PolAir will be assisting general duties officers to ensure the annual celebration of rainbow pride and diversity passes without incident.
Minogue graced the Sydney Mardi Gras in 2012, appearing at the official after-party with a sizzling performance
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Mooore said the theme aimed to draw attention to the bravery of those in the LGBTQI community who had fought against discrimination
‘Many LGBTIQ people feel lonely and isolated and Mardi Gras gives you the opportunity to reach out for help, to be fearless,’he said
As the crowds gathered at the start of the 1.7km route in Hyde Park, attendees wearing an array of feathers, glitter and elaborate head pieces were pictured kicking off the carnival atmosphere
Speculation that Minogue may play a part in the celebrations has been mounting after she posted multiple social media photos of her out and about in Sydney over the past few days.
When asked by the radio show’s hosts if she planned to be part of 2019’s parade or after party, the Especially For You star refused to give a definite answer.
‘I know, the pressure! I actually don’t know. That’s the honest truth. I don’t know,’ the pint-sized singer insisted.
Minogue graced the Sydney Mardi Gras in 2012, appearing at the official after party with a sizzling performance.
They were joined by an equally strong police presence, with more than 1000 officers deployed in the city’s CBD as part of a high-visibility operation
Extended opening hours are only in place for a handful of streets including Oxford Street and the surrounding area.
But City of Sydney councillor Christine Forster said she hoped their success might encourage the government to remove the lockout altogether.
‘I’ll continue to lobby the NSW Government for the complete removal of the lockout laws,’ she said.
‘It is my firm view and that of many business owners in the City of Sydney that the lockout laws have served their purpose.’
NSW Transport said they have laid on extra trains and buses to help revellers get home after the celebrations
Members of the Public Order and Riot Squad, the dog unit and PolAir will be assisting general duties officers to ensure the annual celebration of rainbow pride and diversity passes without incident