Stepping strong into the new decade, Sydney´s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has lined-up a 17-day-long art festival extravaganza.
Now in its 42nd year, the theme for 2020’s celebration of all things LGBTQIA is ‘What matters’. And a quick glance at the program shows that what matters is more than just the right to party – though that matters too.
It kicks off on Valentine’s Day, and aside from the landmark events (Fair Day at Victoria Park on Sunday, February 16 and The Parade on Saturday, February 29), the program is chock full of community-focused offerings, film screenings, script readings, theatre shows, comedy nights, talks and ideas, and live music performances. The Sex (and Drugs) Lecture is back as well as the free self-defense workshop because what also matters is knowledge and keeping safe.
With over 100 events planned across the 17 days, to say that we are spoilt for choice would not even begin to rank as an understatement.
But what marks this year’s Mardi Gras apart?
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Well, it’s the first since Sydney’s lockout laws have been repealed (say hello to popping into different bars in the AM) and it’s the first since Sydney was announced as the host city for WorldPride 2023. It’s a fabulously serendipitous combination that will surely liven Sydney back up again and showcase that it is truly a world-class international city.
On that note, Sydney Mardi Gras has also secured international star Sam Smith as the special guest performer for the night of the Parade. And joining him across the festival will be Dua Lipa, Kesha, and Conchita Wurst, Eurovision’s 2014 winner, performing alongside Trevor Ashley with a 40-piece orchestra at the State Theatre, to name just some of the high-profile performers.
Head on over to the festival program to begin planning your first Mardia Gras of the new decade.
Or stay tuned to our Facebook for the events that we’re counting down the days for.