Lord Mayor Clover Moore has confirmed City of Sydney funding for 2021 and 2022’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival.
Mardi Gras was awarded the funding as part of the City of Sydney’s Festivals and Events Sponsorship program, which supports initiatives and projects to build the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of our city. The City’s support for Mardi Gras also includes venue hire and street banners.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger says: “Thank you to the City of Sydney for renewed grants funding taking us into what’s set to be a stunning 2021 Mardi Gras season. After what we’ve all been through in recent months, we’re looking forward to helping activate the city we love.
“The City of Sydney’s support will help us activate Oxford Street in new ways, decorate the strip with our Mardi Gras banners, and help us secure key venues in the city. In coming months we have a lot of exciting plans to announce.”
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says: “We were very lucky to celebrate our annual Mardi Gras celebration at the end of February, just before physical distancing became necessary to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Tens of thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors lined Oxford Street on one of my favourite nights of the year – a fierce and glittering party borne out of that first bloody protest held in 1978.
“As we all learn to adapt to the challenges that Covid-19 has brought our city, there’s a lot we can learn from the strong and resilient LGBTIQ communities worldwide. As always the City of Sydney is proud to host and support the Sydney Mardi Gras and I know next year’s celebration will be even more special after everything 2020 has thrown our way.”
2021’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival will start on Friday 19 February, running through until Sunday 7 March. The Mardi Gras team will be working closely with NSW Health to follow any necessary COVID restrictions/guidelines.
KEY DATES:
Fair Day – Sunday 21 February 2021
Parade & Party – Saturday 6 March 2021
Registrations for festival events, Fair Day stalls, volunteer opportunities and Parade entries open in Spring 2020.
For any enquiries about Mardi Gras festival events, please email festival@mardigrasarts.org.au.