It’s come and gone, like the sweetest dream! This weekend’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras brought all things fierce and fabulous to Sydney. Official figures are yet to come in but an estimated 200,000 people looked on as 145 floats and 10,000 participants sashayed along the sequin-soaked parade route.
The theme for the 37th year of Mardi Gras was ‘Passion’ and that’s exactly what the participants brought to the Parade. Members of the LGBTQI community and their supporters from all over the world came together in a flurry of colour and pandemonium to celebrate and champion equal rights.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik revealed the makeup of the Parade:
- 150 entry floats/groups;
- Two hours, five minutes viewing time;
- 5.91km Parade train;
- 3000 bikes;
- More than 390 vehicles or pushables;
- More than 9100 walkers;
- More than 800 riders;
- 10,500 total participants.
- One in four entrants had 100 or more participants
Reflecting on last night’s parade, Mr Rolik said, “The combined efforts of everyone involved delivered a real stand out Parade. The attention to detail and enthusiasm of all the parade participants ensured there was a sea of smiling faces from the crowd.”
“Aside from all the fabulous colour and excitement there were some wonderfully touching moments in the Parade. Seeing some of Australia’s top sports personalities standing together to put an end to homophobia in sport was truly inspirational. We were also honored to have Dame Marie Bashir accompanied by her husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie as this year’s Chiefs of Parade. I feel I speak for the LGBTQI community when I say we appreciate their continued support and friendship.”
“We also had a first for Mardi Gras! Three of Australia’s highest ranking officials walked the Parade route with the Australian Defence Forces float. Their involvement has helped spread the message of acceptance, equality and support throughout the armed forces and the entire Australian community”
Mr. Rolik also praised the behavior of spectators on the night, at an hour when many of the revelers continued to celebrate Mardi Gras at the Party, which took over several venues in Moore Park until 8am. Guests of the Party were treated to an incredible line up of international and home grown music acts including: Nick Jonas, Dannii Minogue, Jake Shears, Jessica Mauboy, Betty Who, Rufus Wainwright and Courtney Act.
The 2015 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
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