Sydney 2010 Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Programme Released

With the launch of the 2010 Mardi Gras Season Guide, organisers have unveiled an event-packed week between the Parade and Party, which includes a new free event – The Parade Carnival.

To be held at the conclusion of the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 27, The Parade Carnival is a free party for NMG members, Parade participants and volunteers. Taking place at the Show Ring, Dome and Forum, it will offer attendees the chance to kick up their heels and get up close with the floats and costumes. A limited number of tickets will be made available to the public.

The high-octane week continues with Harbour ’10 at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair on Sunday, February 28; Spencer Tunick’s debut Sydney installation The Base on Monday, March 1; and a Fag Tag event in Manly on Tuesday, March 2.

Other events include John Waters’s one-man show at the Opera House, This Filthy World (March 2); Mardi Gras’ ‘Dinner at the Zoo’ (March 3); Burt Bacharach with the Sydney Symphony (March 4); the return of the Drag Races at Bondi Beach (March 5); and a barbeque at Tamarama Surf Club hosted by Lifesaver with Pride on the day of the Party (March 6).

The week culminates with the Mardi Party on March 6, followed by official after-party, Toy Box at Luna Park on March 7.

Mardi Gras 2010 Season Sneak Preview

To register for Spencer Tunick’s The Base, go to mardigras.org.au
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

MARDI GRAS FAIR DAY

Saturday, February 21
On Saturday, February 21, celebrate the launch of the 2010 Mardi Gras Season at this much-loved community event at Victoria Park. Kick on at the Bank Hotel in Newtown for the official after-party. Victoria Park, Camperdown

MARDI GRAS PARADE

Saturday, February 27
Embark on a trip through the queer ages at the world’s best gay and lesbian parade which in 2010 takes on the theme, ‘Mardi Gras’ History of the World’. Oxford Street and Flinders Street, Darlinghurst

MARDI GRAS PARTY

Saturday, March 6
French superstar DJ David Guetta headlines the 2010 Mardi Gras party, joined by a stellar line-up of local and international acts including Bimbo Jones. As always, keep an eye out for surprise guests. Hordern Pavilion and surrounds, Entertainment Quarter
BETWEEN PARADE AND PARTY

In 2010, New Mardi Gras organisers have assembled a high-octane week between the Parade and Party weekends, ranging from arts events to big dance parties. Here’s a rundown of key event highlights.

Saturday, February 27

Parade Carnival
New Mardi Gras members, volunteers and parade participants are invited to kick up their heels at this free-post Parade event. It’s a great opportunity to get up close to the amazing floats and costumes. There will be also general release tickets available. Show Ring, Dome and Forum, Entertainment Quarter

Sunday, February 28

Harbour ’10
This iconic Mardi Gras event makes it harbourside return with DJ luminaries Wayne G, Paul Heron and Paul Goodyear in the mix. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Royal Botanic Gardens

Monday, March 1

Spencer Tunick
Shed your clothes for world renowned artist Spencer Tunick’s first Sydney installation, The Base. Registrations at mardigras.org.au

Pool Party
The famed Ivy Pool plays host to the return of the Mardi Gras Pool Party. Time to get your gear off, grab a cocktail and make a splash. Ivy Pool Bar, Sydney.

Tuesday, March 2

Fag Tag in Manly
Party outfit Fag Tag will be tagging one of Sydney’s most stunning beachside suburbs, Manly. Expect plenty of volleyball and tanning action, following by sunset drinks at one of Manly’s best bars. Details at fagtag.com.au

John Waters
Iconic auteur John Waters celebrates his film career, and joyously bad taste, at his one-man vaudeville act, This Filthy Word, at the Sydney Opera House. Bookings sydneyoperahouse.com

Wednesday, March 3

Dinner at the Zoo
Watch the bird show, meet some of the exotic creatures, and hear about the not-so-straight habits of some of the Zoo’s inhabitants, before a sumptuous meal overlooking the harbour. Held in support of Australian Marriage Equality. Taronga Zoo, Mosman

Thursday, March 4

Burt Bacharach
Legendary Burt Bacharach performs one of two shows at the Sydney Opera House. An wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of one of the greatest songwriters of the twentieth century. Bookings sydneyoperahouse.com

Friday, March 5

Drag Races
Hosted by Vanessa Wagner, the much-anticipated return of the Drag Races will hit Bondi Beach in a flurry of heels, sand and hilarity. Bondi Beach, Campbell Parade, Bondi

Beach Party
From 3pm until midnight, Mardi Gras will be taking over the historic Bondi Surf Life Saving Club for a unique beach party experience. Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach

Saturday, March 6

Beach BBQ
Sun, Speedos, swimmers and sausages – enjoy Sydney at its best the day of the party with a beach BBQ hosted by popular group, Lifesavers with Pride. Tamarama Surf Club, Tamarama

Sunday, March 7

Toy Box
Kick on after the Mardi Gras Party at Toy Box at Luna Park. Renowned for its high production values and sense of fun, it will be a fitting end to the week’s festivities. Luna Park, Milson’s Point

The Official 2010 Sydney Mardi Gras Season is out now. Go to www.mardigras.org.au.