One of WorldPride’s most successful events the Bondi Beach Party will now return to form a major part of the 2024 Sydney Mardi Gras calendar that was unveiled today.
The Beach Party will be back on Sydney’s iconic beach, bringing together 15,000 revellers together to watch international DJs and performances with a distinct Sydney Mardi Gras flair.
Ultra Violet, another WorldPride favourite, this invigorating day-to-night party is tailored for LGBTQIA+ women, set within the artistic walls of the National Art School will return as well but many of the more iconic events such as the Domain Opening Concert and the March across the Bridge will not return.
Longstanding Mardi Gras events will make a return in 2024 including, Progress Pride Flag Raising, Fair Day, Paradiso Pool Party, Kaftana Pool Party, Laugh Out Proud, Sissy Ball, Queer Art After Hours, Mardi Gras Party, Laneway, and the jewel in the Mardi Gras crown, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Speaking at the launch, new Sydney Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith said for 45 years, the energy, vibrancy, and unity of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has made it a globally significant event.
“In 2024, we embrace our roots and look forward with eager anticipation to our future,” Beckwith said.
“Our mission is clear: to echo the voices of our communities, to champion progress and instigate impactful change.
“Beyond the individual events, and there are many, the 2024 festival underscores our commitment to inclusivity, unity and remembrance. The 2024 Festival celebrates our past, our present and most crucially, the promising future we’re building. Here’s to another unforgettable Sydney Mardi Gras,” said Beckwith.
The 2024 festival theme is Our Future, brought to life through a mesmerising creative campaign that reimagines iconic tarot cards to honour local LGBTQIA+ legends. Celebrating trailblazers from HIV+ campaigners to trans and gender-diverse icons, activists and artists, each card captures the essence and diversity of queer communities.
Minister for the Arts, Jobs and Tourism the Hon. John Graham said Mardi Gras has grown from a human rights protest to become one of the largest LGBTQIA+ events in the world.
“I urge everyone to enjoy the celebration that is Mardi Gras but also find time to reflect on its historic significance,” Minister Graham said.
“The Minns Labor Government has made a commitment to preserve the history and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community through a permanent home for the Qtopia Sydney Museum at the former Darlinghurst Police Station, a site of great historical significance for Mardi Gras and the original 78ers.”
Other new and major events for 2024 include:
- Bondi Beach Party, a grand beachside celebration that captured hearts at Sydney WorldPride returns. Bringing together 15,000 revellers as the iconic Bondi Beach is the backdrop to international DJs and performances for that distinct Sydney Mardi Gras flair.
- Ultra Violet, another WorldPride favourite, this invigorating day-to-night party is tailored for LGBTQIA+ women, set within the artistic walls of the National Art School, and curated by luminaries Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill;
- Festival First Light, a city-wide Welcome to Country ceremony led by Elders from across the Sydney Basin;
- Hot Trans Summer, a total trans and gender-diverse takeover of floating luxury venue Glass Island. It is set to be a celebration dedicated to the trans and gender-diverse communities, boasting an all-trans lineup.
- Queer Futures, a series of talks and ideas, with conversations ranging from sport to the arts, politics and education.
- Diamond Dance, presented by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Pollys Club, and Dykes on Bikes, is a party celebrating Pollys Club’s 60th year through nostalgic rhythms and standout acts.
- Oxtravaganza and Darlo Big Drag Brunch, presented by the Darlinghurst Business Partnership, is an eclectic two-week fringe festival pulsating with nightly performances, art showcases, a dedicated family zone and more. Also returning from 2023 is Darlo Big Drag Brunch, where the glittering Oxford Street and surrounds will be taken over by simultaneous Drag Brunches to kick off the Bondi Beach Party day.
- Marks Park Dawn Sunrise Service of Reflection, in collaboration with the Bronte Surf Club, ACON and Waverley Council is a poignant dawn service to remember and honour victims of homophobic and transphobic violence in the 1970’s and 1990’s.
- & JULIET, presented by Michael Cassel Group in association with MTM/LeyLine, a one-night-only Mardi Gras special performance of the smash hit musical starring Lorinda May Merrypor, Rob Mills, Casey Donovan and Amy Lehpamer.
Tickets to the Sydney Mardi Gras program go on sale at 10am on Monday 20 November and all events can be found online here.
Last Updated on Nov 10, 2023
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