From the fabulous parade to the poignant panel discussions, with phenomenal parties and pioneering queer performers, Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras makes a triumphant return with a big, bold programme of events.
The 2020 theme is 'What Matters'. It's a motif building on the legacy of Mardi Gras as a platform for activism, and it encourages the public to look at what we can do in order to build an inclusive future.
“This year we celebrate those at the forefront of the fight for equality,” Mardi Gras Arts Interim CEO Grant Lowe says. “From groundbreaking queer artists to trailblazing thought leaders, Mardi Gras 2020 is an opportunity to visit the next destinations on our journey of diversity, inclusion and social justice.”
The Mardi Gras Festival Hub is expanding in 2020. There will be 15 events at the Hub including local and international performances, inspiring discussions, comedy, theatre, music, dance, circus, burlesque, and drag, under the roof of the Seymour Centre.
Conchita Wurst and Trevor Ashley
Highlights at Festival Hub include 'F... Fabulous', the genre-defying 'Hot Brown Honey', electrifying trans and gender diverse performance 'Gender Euphoria', drag and burlesque infused 'Yummy Unleashed', Casus Circus show 'You & I', the return of Koori Gras, thought-provoking events from 'Queer Thinking', and a night of queer bangers at 'Homage'.
Meanwhile, for one night only, Austrian glam pop vocalist Conchita Wurst will team up with Australia's cabaret queen Trevor Ashley for some musical magic. Joined by conductor Michael Tyack and a full symphony orchestra, they'll perform their greatest hits alone and together.
Myra Dubois is placed in her own funeral in 'Myra Dubois: Dead Funny'. It's a side-eye at death, dying, and the theatrics of grief, featuring songs by Richard Thomas, wrapped in Myra's trademark acerbic wit.
In an immersive exhibition, Jenny Kee And Linda Jackson: Step Into Paradise shows how the iconic duo transformed the nation's fashion and cultural heritage with their pioneering style.
Mardi Gras parade – Image © Jeffrey Feng
The Minus18 Queer Formal is an unforgettable evening of live music, dancing, glamour stations, activations, dinner, dessert and much more, for all LGBTQIA+ young people aged 13-19 and their friends. Celebrate your identity in an inclusive space.
One hundred plus businesses in and around Oxford Street offer a variety of fun events from midday to late during OXTRAVAGANZA. There are retail activations, live gigs, and special offers. Anything goes and everyone is welcome!
The year's signature events include Fair Day, the Kaftan Party, Sissy Ball, Family Fun Day, the Parade, Diamond Club, and more.
Throughout the festival you'll be able to absorb events in the realms of visual arts (Queer Contemporary, Queer Art AFTR Hours and more), parties (Club Arak, Extra Dirty, Apollo The Party and more), film (Queer Screen's 27th Film Festival) and performing arts ('Angry Fags', 'Fluid', 'Our Blood Runs In The Streets' and more).
Tickets go on sale 10am on 11 November.
