Get ready for the glitter and sparkle, fabulous costumes and jaw-dropping floats — tonight the 40th gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade will take over Sydney.
And this year is expected to be the biggest yet with crowd sizes estimated at 500,000 for a celebration of four decades of pride.
So if you're planning to take in the extravaganza, here's what you need to know.
What to look for
This one's easy.
For the first time, and in celebration of the introduction of same-sex marriage, the parade will include a wedding!
James Brechney and his partner Stu Henshall will say their 'I dos' as they cross over Taylor Square, where the original Sydney Rainbow Crossing used to be.
Look out for the giant wedding cake!
So I heard Cher will be there?!
You heard right.
Pop superstar, LGBTI icon and one of the world's most interesting tweeters Cher is headlining the official Mardi Gras party.
But here's the bad news, unless you've already got a ticket to the after-party, you may miss out on spotting the Queen of Camp as it's completely sold out.
In fact, tickets sold out before she was even confirmed by organisers after her cryptic tweeting tipped fans off.
Let's cross our fingers and Believe the 71-year-old makes a surprise appearance during the parade.
Getting there
Most important piece of info — get there before 7:00pm.
After that the parade route will lockdown and there will be no access across Oxford and Flinders streets.
Viewing bays:
- Taylor Square North: At the corner of Oxford and Flinders streets, in front of the Oxford Hotel
- Corner of Oxford and Flinders Streets: In front of the Sir Allen Taylor & Co cafe bar
- Corner of Short and Flinders Streets: In front of the Picture Me Rollin Motorcycle Emporium
- Corner of Flinders and South Dowling Streets: Diagonally opposite The Local Tap House
Registrations are now closed for securing a spot in one of the four viewing bays so turn up early for your best chance.
In terms of the journey there, leave the car at home and catch public transport as there will be major road closures from 5:00pm in the CBD, Darlinghurst and Moore Park.
But do not forget to top up your Opal Card in advance though as lines will be long at machines.
Trains will run to a Saturday timetable, with the closest stations to the parade being Central, Town Hall, Martin Place and St James.
Be aware that Museum Station will be closed from 5:00pm on Saturday until 4:00am on Sunday due to large crowds in the area.
Another rainy Mardi Gras?
It is quite common for the heavens to open on parade night but good news — there's only a 5 per cent chance of rain tonight!
Here's to the glitter not washing off for once.
The parade goes for a while — any facilities?
Do not fear, you will not have to hold on for hours or go hungry, the parade route is dotted with food trucks and toilets.
Party on
In support of the parade and the LGBTI community, the NSW Government announced a relaxation of the lockout laws for tonight.
This means you will not be turned away from venues at the usual 1:30am or 2:00am lockouts and instead can enter or re-enter until close.
However, as normal, venues will stop serving alcohol by 3:00am, or 3:30am for venues with live entertainment extensions.
Mardi Gras from the lounge room
In Sydney, but don't want to battle the crowds?
Or in another part of Australia (or the world) and want to catch the fabulousness?
The Mardi Gras parade will be broadcast from 7:00pm on SBS On Demand, Twitter, and Facebook.
Bagikan Berita Ini
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