The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival makes a grand return this month (18 February – 6 March) with a jam-packed program of events, performances, exhibitions and community activities.
The iconic queer Festival has revealed a stellar line-up of entertainment for its major events including Parade, Laugh Out Proud, Queer Art After Hours and Laneway.
Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said, “Our queer artistic communities are uniting in 2022 to present an electrifying line-up of events for the Festival this year.” “We have a truly incredible range of new events, from theatrical discoveries, community celebrations, to insightful talks and exhibitions. And of course, we have the return of much-loved Mardi Gras favourites such as Fair Day which was greatly missed in 2021.” said Kruger.
Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said “We are proud to support the 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and help bring its glittering line-up to life. It’s fantastic to have the Mardi Gras Festival back and better than ever this year, with a mix of exciting new events and all-time favourites”
“I congratulate the Mardi Gras organisers on their commitment to delivering a COVID-safe event, allowing our rainbow communities to once again experience the magic of this iconic festival.”
Highlights of the 2022 Festival include:
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
5 March 2022, Sydney Cricket Ground
In his first live performance in Australia in a decade, singer-songwriter Darren Hayes returns home to head up a superstar line-up for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday 5 March 2022. Fresh off the back of the release of his new track: ‘Let’s Try Being In Love’, Haye’s Mardi Gras performance will mark his 20th year as a solo recording artist, as well the 25th anniversary of Savage Garden’s acclaimed debut, self-titled album. The Parade will also feature a special performance from Australian music legend, Vanessa Amorosi, presented by Principal Partner, American Express. Other musical guests for the LGBTQIA+ community’s night of nights include ARIA-nominated singer songwriter Mo’Ju, Timothy Springs and Prinnie Stevens, local DJ’s KILIMI, Charlie Villas and Division 4.
Fair Day Proudly presented in partnership with American Express
20 February 2022, Victoria Park
The all-day rainbow extravaganza that kicks off the Mardi Gras Festival is back with a jam-packed day of community pride and celebration, hosted by Mon Schafter and Faustina Agolley. Fair Day isn’t just about stalls and the famous Doggywood Pageant – ABC’s Josh Szep will be broadcasting live from the park, and triple j will be crossing live throughout the day. As the sun begins to set, the entertainment heats up with performances by emerging and culture defying LGBTQIA+ artists – full line-up and program coming soon.
Laugh Out Proud
25 February 2022, Enmore Theatre
The queer comedy event of the year, Laugh Out Proud is a one-night-only showcase of the best rising stars in the Australian queer comedy scene. This year’s line-up features Charlie Lewin, Madeleine Stewart, Scout Boxall, Alex Ward and Zoe Sitas – with the night of bent belly laughs hosted by none other than Mel Buttle. Laugh Out Proud was a sell-out in 2020 and 2021, so get in quick to snap up your tickets.
Laneway
6 March 2022, The Beresford and Hill Street
Wrap up the Mardi Gras weekend with the campest curb-side tradition. Spread across both levels of The Beresford and spilling out onto Hill Street, Laneway is the perfect way to bid farewell to Mardi Gras 2022. Headlined by UK diva Tina Cousins, this year’s ultimate street party kick-on has a pumping soundtrack planned from the likes of Super Disco Club, DJ Corey Craig, DJ Shigeki, DJ Ant JB, The Pleasure of Gwen, Colin Gaff Smithers, Dan Murphy, Estée Louder, Alex Taylor, Hayley Maree, Amanda Louise, Brett Austin and DJ Nate.
Queer Art After Hours
Presented by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the Art Gallery of New South Wales
2 March 2022, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Witness the wonders of colourful queer artistry as Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the Art Gallery of New South Wales present Queer Art After Hours. Discover the ground-breaking and the glamorous in an explosion of innovative performance art, installations, collection stories, music and gallery tours inspired by this year’s theme of UNITED WE SHINE. Featuring Club Chrome, Demon Derriere, Jazz Money, Kim Leutwyler, Stereogamous and more to be announced, it’s a night to choose your own art adventure, serving sparkling till late.