46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade attracts 250,000 spectators and over 12,000 participants

The 46th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returned to Oxford St, Flinders St, and Anzac Pde las night attracting an estimated 250,000 spectators and more than 12,000 participants.

Spectators gathered in unity and celebration, bearing witness to a spectacular march in which participants lit up the night with their creativity, advocacy, and unapologetic pride under the theme "Our Future...".

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Chief Executive Gil Beckwith shared "Tonight's Parade was a vibrant testament to the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. As we marched under the banner of 'Our Future...', we not only honour the past 45 years of history and progress but also took a bold step toward shaping a more inclusive and diverse future."

Lord Mayor Clover Moore noted “Sydney has always been a beacon for LGBTIQA+ communities and that pride is most spectacularly on show during Mardi Gras.

“This year’s March was another triumph of sequins and spirit. These past few weeks have been particularly hard for our LGBTIQA+ communities but tonight we all came together for a wonderful celebration of queer love, culture and struggle.

“When the biodegradable glitter settles, the fight for equality will continue.”

This year's theme, "Our Future...", served as a powerful call to action, inviting parade participants and spectators alike to envision and contribute to the path forward for the LGBTQIA+ community. It was a night that melded the legacy of protest with the joy of celebration, featuring 200 floats, led by the beloved Dykes on Bikes, First Nations and 78er floats.

The Parade was a dazzling display of the community's creativity, with each float bringing to life the shared dreams and aspirations for "Our Future...". The streets were filled with a kaleidoscope of colours, music, and dance, symbolising the unity and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.

The 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is supported by Government Partner of the Mardi Gras Festival, the City of Sydney, and Strategic Sponsor the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.