Promising a Mardi Gras Party like none other before, 2012 will see the Entertainment Quarter transformed into a theme park – Mardigrasland – promising an adventurous and sexy ride through a night of music, dance and electrifying acts including RuPaul, D.E. Experience, Sneaky Sound System, and Horse Meat Disco – all set to kick off after the Parade, on 3 March 2012.

Partygoers can expect to be taken on an experiential trip through Mardigrasland, a place with many different themed ‘lands’, each with their own unique flavour – as well as being entertained by superstar Australian and international performers and DJs.

Candyworld, at the Royal Hall of Industries, promises a confection of sugar-coated pop and house in a candy-coloured world that dishes up big shows, drag to die for and a very happy ending. Enter the Emerald City in Oz at the Horden Pavilion, with serious dance music talent as the soundtrack. T.G.I. Retro at the Hi-Fi (the old Forum) promises an all-you-can-eat disco party buffet, with some of the night’s most exciting performers. Drag kings and programming for the ladies in mind will be the theme for Shangri-Lez. And for an underground party where nothing is what it seems, The Backlot at the Dome will become a dodgy, abandoned and derelict hall of mirrors, with eclectic and electric performances and music.

As well as the different lands, there will also be a theme park parade throughout the night – think queer Disney parade – and pop-up performances, costumed characters and musical acts to surprise partygoers across the entire grounds.

Dazzling crowds with her live singing show will be internationally renowned drag superstar RuPaul, who has been immortalised not only in a wax portrait at Madame Tussaud’s Museum in Times Square, but also in several feature film roles and television shows. Audiences can expect a huge RHI production number, and a bonus, more intimate show at T.G.I. Retro.

Also appearing at T.G.I. Retro will be top UK performer Jonathan Hellyer, who will take us from the sublime to the ridiculous with his vastly popular cabaret act D.E. Experience. UK’s Independent on Sunday newspaper described him as "Ziggy Stardust meets Dionysus, who happens to be in bed with Jim Carrey at the time".

Aussie dance music ensemble Sneaky Sound System promise a throbbing DJ set, with Miss Connie providing live vocals and stirring the crowds into a frenzy.

Also appearing will be a host of Aussie favourites – including Starfuckers, Cunningpants, Sveta, Mike Kelly, Ruby, Matt Vaughan, Dan Murphy, Kitty Glitter and Feisty – and upcoming local talent.

Partygoers can also expect performances from DJ Lady Miss Kier from iconic ’90s dance group Deee-Lite – who will be adding vocals to her DJ set – as well as internationally acclaimed Londoners Horse Meat Disco, who have recently played at Glastonbury and at London’s Love Box festival.

Iconic DJ and producer Andy Almighty (7th Heaven/Club Junkies) promises a set of remixes that have made him legendary; and fans of feminist electropunk band Le Tigre will delight in a set by the band member JD Samson, accompanied by her music ensemble M.E.N..

Partygoers will have the opportunity to upgrade their Mardigrasland party experience by purchasing Premium tickets, which will include express entry, access to specially reserved seating in the Hordern Pavilion with a fabulous view of the stage, access to the express bar lane in the RHI and the Hordern, access to their own premium lounge with comforts such as couches, complimentary cloak room, dedicated and serviced premium toilets with amenities, a souvenir welcome pack with maps, performance times and other goodies, and a Premium wristband for identification.

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras will be offering a range of ticket options, including discounts for groups of four, special member pricing and youth and concession pricing.

Party Director Damien Eames said, "This year’s Party will be like none other – partygoers will have a unique adventure park experience. Think a gayed-up Disneyland – a place for everyone to have a fun, sexy and hilarious night."

Tickets are available from Ticketek, and start at $99 – visit ticketek.com.au

For more information on the Party, go to mardigras.org.au/party.

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