Community unites on Oxford Street for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade’s 45th anniversary

Over 12,500 marchers and 208 floats participated in the world-renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade for the event’s return yesterday to Oxford Street.

The 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras was celebrated in high spirits and perfect weather with the event uniting individuals from the LGBTQIA+ communities to showcase their pride, advocate for equal rights and express their passion.

Oxford street and surrounding areas were bursting with colour and party vibes as people jostled from early in the morning for prime viewing spots, two years after COVID-19 forced the event to be relocated to the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sydney Mardi Gras Chief Executive Albert Kruger shared “after delivering the world-class Parade through the Pandemic over the past two years, we are thrilled to see the community unite once more on Oxford Street. With over 200 floats representing all corners of our communities, this is the perfect celebration as the world descends on Sydney for the first WorldPride in the Southern Hemisphere and we commemorate the 45th anniversary of the first Sydney Mardi Gras.

"This is one of the most electric atmospheres I've seen in a very, very long time. And of course, it's all about equality. It's all about partying with purpose.”

In an historic appearance, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marched with other NSW Labor Party members, including state opposition leader Chris Minns.

Prime Minister Albanese noted "It's unfortunate that I am the first, but this is a celebration of modern Australia; we're a diverse, inclusive Australia and that's a good thing.

"People want to see that their government is inclusive and represents everyone, no matter who they love, no matter what their identity, no matter where they live."

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore also marched Oxford Street with MP Alex Greenwich for the Mardi Gras Parade.

As the centerpiece of the Sydney WorldPride Festival, the Parade was a spectacular sight led by First Nations, 78ers and the Dykes on Bikes, along with a range of colourful, political, satirical and imaginative floats that have made the Parade famous over the years.

This year's Festival theme, "Gather, Dream, Amplify," came to life as bigger floats adorned the entirely revamped route. With lighting and firework displays enhancing the spectacle of the Parade, the route went from Hyde Park to Moore Park and included a new Parade route milestone, Drivers Triangle, located by the new Parade Viewing Areas Club Cindy presented by American Express and Ruby Road.

NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said the NSW Government’s support of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras shows its commitment to make NSW a welcoming destination for all visitors.

“We are immensely proud to be hosting the largest Pride event in the world. Mardi Gras is the biggest jewel in the WorldPride crown and was enjoyed by thousands on the streets and millions across the world,” Minister Franklin said.

“The Mardi Gras Parade is about celebrating diversity, inclusion and showcasing Sydney on the world stage. It was fantastic to see the Pride community coming together to celebrate as one.”

NSW Police were pleased with the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of revellers and supporters.

Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke, said with minor exceptions, the crowd was well-behaved and the 45th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade proceeded yesterday largely without incident.

Operation Mardi Gras 2023 incorporated a high-visibility policing operation partnering with stakeholders including parade organisers as well as governmental departments and agencies including Destination NSW, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, and City of Sydney.

More than 900 officers were deployed into the field, comprising general duties officers attached to police area commands and police districts from across NSW, along with specialist officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and Police Transport Command.

The NSW Police Force was once again represented in the Mardi Gras celebrations, a parade tradition since 1998.

As World Pride events continue this week, police are urging all participants to celebrate safely and to watch out for their mates.