The much anticipated Mardi Gras Fair Day returned last Sunday the 17th turning Victoria Park in Broadway pink. This free community event is one of the biggest events on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian calendar prior to the Parade night which will be held on Saturday the 2nd of March.
The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a three-week festival featuring more than 100 events such as the Fair Day, Mardi Gras Film Festival, Family Fun Day, Pool Party, Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony, Comedy Shows and lots of parties just to name a few. A true celebration of history, diversity and growing inclusiveness.
This year’s Mardi Gras theme is, ‘FEARLESS’. Below is an excerpt from the Mardi Gras Program of what fearless means to the community.
Fearless does not mean we have no fear – everyone experiences fear, it’s a part of who we are. Fearless means living our lives in a courageous way, taking action despite your fears.
Mardi Gras is an opportunity for all of us to shine, express who we are and be a beacon of LGBTQI pride for those among us who are still finding the strength to be who they are. So don’t let fear hold us back – take risks, be strong, courageous, and be proud and let’s all come together at Mardi Gras 2019 and celebrate fearlessly. (credit Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Program)
Let your hair down, frocked or unfrocked! Every year, Fair Day is getting bigger and bigger, it took me the whole morning just to visit each of the 200 participating stalls. Drinks are endless with bars serving up cold drinks to quench a royal thirst as the temperature soared, there was a good verity of stalls offering delicious food when you felt like a nibble to keep you going!
This year up to 80,000 attendees have graced the festival. A sea of picnic umbrellas and rugs were spread over the open spaces of the park as everyone chilled out and watched the non-stop live entertainment.
If your into the world of all things – dogs, the Doggywood aka Doggy Pageant is a must to watch, it’s one of my favourite highlights of the festival. Dogs all in their glory and sizes, from the very large down to tea-cup petite, competing for Best Dressed, Most Talented and Best in Show. These fur-friends will melt your heart!
Not a dull moment at The Arena either, watching the action of a Tug-of-War, Volleyball, Speedos Fashion Parade, Martial Arts, and yes all those eye popping delicious bods. Fashions of the Fair is hilarious, alluring and lots of fun, time for those who frocked up in glitz and glam to shine and be ready to sashay sashay. Dance away at the Absolute Dance Floor with popular DJ’s spinning those hits to keep the party vibes pumping.
HAPPY MARDI GRAS! so much fun, I can’t wait for the 2020 Fair Day!
