The City of Sydney has confirmed that the world famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has received funding for its festivals in 2021 and 2022.
Mardi Gras was awarded the funding as part of the City of Sydney’s Festivals and Events Sponsorship program, which supports initiatives and projects to build the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of our city. The City’s support for Mardi Gras also includes venue hire and street banners.
“Thank you to the City of Sydney for renewed grants funding taking us into what’s set to be a stunning 2021 Mardi Gras season,” said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger. “After what we’ve all been through in recent months, we’re looking forward to helping activate the city we love.”
“The City of Sydney’s support will help us activate Oxford Street in new ways, decorate the strip with our Mardi Gras banners, and help us secure key venues in the city. In coming months we have a lot of exciting plans to announce,” added Kruger.
As planning gets underway for the 2021 festival, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, revealed earlier this week, some key dates. Fair Day will takes place on Sunday 21 February, while the world famous Parade & Party will be held on Saturday 6 March 2021. Registrations for festival events, Fair Day stalls, volunteer opportunities and Parade entries open in Spring 2020.
“We were very lucky to celebrate our annual Mardi Gras celebration at the end of February, just before physical distancing became necessary to contain the coronavirus pandemic,” said City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. Tens of thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors lined Oxford Street on one of my favourite nights of the year – a fierce and glittering party borne out of that first bloody protest held in 1978.
“As we all learn to adapt to the challenges that Covid-19 has brought our city, there’s a lot we can learn from the strong and resilient LGBTIQ communities worldwide. As always the City of Sydney is proud to host and support the Sydney Mardi Gras and I know next year’s celebration will be even more special after everything 2020 has thrown our way.”
The 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival will commence on Friday 19 February, running through until Sunday 7 March. The Mardi Gras team will be working closely with NSW Health to follow any necessary COVID restrictions and guidelines. For more information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.
Image: 2020 Mardi Gras Parade – photo by Jeffrey Feng Photography