Mardi Gras 2021 and COVID-19
As the end to 2020 draws near, it’s time to look towards 2021 and the new season of Mardi Gras events. But many of you are asking us – what’s possible now during COVID-19 restrictions?
COVID-19 has had a huge impact on communities across the world. In this challenging and ever-changing environment, planning for events and festivals is all the more difficult.
Our team is working hard to try and bring you a vibrant festival for February and March. There will be some changes to the Festival we know and love but whatever the changes, nothing should stop us from celebrating diversity and taking pride in who we are.
The safety and health of our communities is always our paramount concern. Our challenge for next year is ensuring all our events will be COVID-safe. Using NSW Health guidelines, we’re now working on a number of different scenarios for our largest events, and we’ll share the details over the coming few weeks, just as soon as our plans are approved.
Make sure to subscribe to our e-news, check out our socials or come back to this page to stay up to date on how things are shaping up.
MARDI GRAS 2021 and COVID-19 FAQs:
Is the 2021 Mardi Gras Festival still going ahead?
In this evolving new world, planning for a major Festival is a complex matter, but we are working with stakeholders and government agencies to plan a vibrant and safe celebration for our LGBTQI+ community. There’s no end to how things may change between now and February, but we’re working on creating a Festival that can be enjoyed safely in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in at that time.
Our community has faced many challenges throughout history. We are resilient. We have always found a way to celebrate, to express ourselves and have our voices heard. 2021 will be no different!
How will COVID-19 impact the 2021 Festival events?
The health and safety of our community remains our number one priority. Mardi Gras is currently working with NSW Health and other stakeholders to ensure that our events can adopt COVID safe protocols that are in line with the Federal and State government directives.
Requirements for each event will differ pending these directives. The key areas of focus will be:
The wellbeing of event attendees, volunteers and working staff
The requirement to ensure physical distancing is observed
Adopting increased hygiene and cleaning measures across our events
The requirement to keep records for contact tracing in the event of virus transmission
Is the 2021 Mardi Gras Parade still going ahead?
COVID-19 has changed the way we do things in all aspects of our lives and the Parade is not exempt from this. The safety of our spectators, parade participants, staff and volunteers is our priority and is informing all plans we are working through for the 2021 Parade.
Whatever the changes, the Parade will continue to be an important platform for us to come together and shine a global spotlight on LGBTQI+ lives, culture, communities and creativity.
We look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming weeks.
Is the Mardi Gras Party still going ahead?
We are putting our best efforts into bringing the community a Mardi Gras Party in 2021. What exactly the Party will look like at this stage is still being worked out.
Whatever form the Party takes, it will continue to celebrate and support our community’s artists and talent.
Is Fair Day 2021 still going ahead?
There will be changes to Fair Day to bring the event in line with NSW Health guidelines. This may mean a reimagined site layout and scale, capped capacity or registered session times. These changes will evolve alongside changing restrictions.
How can I be involved in the 2021 Mardi Gras Festival?
If you’re thinking about having a Fair Day stall, entering a Parade float, being a part of the arts program or volunteering, watch this space – we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with the various ways you can be part of our 2021 Mardi Gras festival.
In the meantime, sign up to our e-news and check our socials for updates.
