The world-renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returned to Oxford Street to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras march. The event united individuals from the LGBTQIA+ communities to showcase their pride, advocate for equal rights and express their passion.
As the centerpiece of the epic Sydney WorldPride Festival, the Parade was a spectacular sight as over 12,500 marchers and 208 floats took to the streets. The parade was led by First Nations, '78ers and the Dykes on Bikes, along with a range of colorful, political, satirical and imaginative floats that have made the Parade famous over the years.
This year's Festival theme Gather, Dream, Amplify came to life as bigger floats adorned the entirely revamped route. With lighting and firework displays enhancing the spectacle of the Parade, the route went from Hyde Park to Moore Park and included a new Parade route milestone, Drivers Triangle, located by the new Parade Viewing Areas Club Cindy presented by American Express and Ruby Road.
Anthony Albonese was the first sitting Australian Prime Minister to march in the parade, but this was no token gesture as Albo has been marching in the Mardi Gras Parade since the '80s.
Pop sensation Kylie Minogue AO OBE took to the stage the previous night for Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert presented by American Express at The Domain. The international icon wowed the crowds with some of her most-loved hits in an unforgettable night of music, celebration and community.
The official opening concert was attended by 20,000 fans from Australia and across the globe who gathered in a huge celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride. Charli XCX, Jessica Mauboy and Electric Fields all performed, with Courtney Act and Casey Donovan hosting and performing.
Mardi Gras Parade photos by Rocket K Photography;
WorldPride Opening Concert photos by Daniel Boud;
All photos supplied by Original Spin (c).
