Sydney WorldPride opening concert offers a night of music, celebration and community
The Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, held tonight at The Domain attracted 20,000 fans from Australia and across the globe who gathered in a huge celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride.
Pop sensation Kylie Minogue headlined the official opening – with last night’s performance beingthe fourth time that Kylie had taken part in Mardi Gras celebrations, kicking off her set with her 2000 hit Spinning Around.
The night’s entertainment also included performances from a number of high-energy local and international acts, including English singer-songwriter Charli XCX, Jessica Mauboy, Western Sydney artist collective House of Slé, Indigenous performers, Yorta Yorta woman, soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, music duo Electric Fields with Courtney Act and Casey Donovan hosting and performing.
Organisers also made sure the rebellious roots of Mardi Gras were acknowledged, along with those who have been at the forefront in the fight for LGBT+ rights.
Sydney WorldPride Chief Executive, Kate Wickett (pictured below), said it was a celebration of the past 50 years of pride in Australia and 45 years of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and noted "we have come a long way since that rich history, since our 1978ers, that we give you and show you the power to a new generation."
The event is one of a host of major events taking place this weekend. Tomorrow will see the 45th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade return to Oxford Street and Sunday 26th Feb will see Kelly Rowland headline at Domain Dance Party.
Sydney WorldPride 2023 runs for 17 days, from 17th February to 5th March 2023 incorporating Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The full festival program over 300 events across WorldPride Official, WorldPride Arts, WorldPride Sports and Pride Amplified is available on the Sydney WorldPride website.
Images from top: Live and Proud Sydney WorldPride 20,000 attendance; Live and Proud Sydney WorldPride Kylie Minogue; Live and Proud Sydney WorldPride Charli XCX; Live and Proud Sydney WorldPride Courtney Act and Casey Donovan; Live and Proud Sydney WorldPride Electric Fields; Live and Proud Sydney WorldPride Kate Wickett. All images Credit: Daniel Boud
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