Sydney is proud to host one of the biggest, boldest and most colourful Mardi Gras celebrations this side of the globe. Every year, fans, performers and supporters flock to Oxford Street to see all of the glitz, glamour and cheekiness that comes with the festivities. Both spectators and performers get into the act, donning their craziest and most colourful outfits for the occasion. This year’s theme is sure to delight – History of the World takes a look at the “sexy and baudy history” of gay culture worldwide. Whether you’re from out of town and are looking for gay hotel accommodation or just a Sydneysider hoping to party hard, here’s a rundown of what to expect at the 2010 Sydney Mardi Gras.

Getting to the Mardi Gras Parade

Time

Mardi Gras celebrations take place between 19 February and 7 March with the big parade on 27 February at 7:45 pm. In addition to the festival and parade, attendees can enjoy a number of other Mardi Gras themed events, including the community Fair Day on 21 February or the highly entertaining Drag Races at Bondi on 5 March.

For the parade goers, it’s best to line up early and claim a good viewing spot as the crowds pile in fast as the evening approaches. The parade starts at Hyde Park and follows Oxford Street and then snakes along Flinders street to Moore Park Rd. Good viewing spots can be found all along Oxford Street and Flinders Street but it’ll be best to get in early to stake out your post.

Highlights

Each year, revellers look forward to new displays of colour and creativity as well as some audience favourites. Dykes on Bikes are definitely a popular crowd pleaser and Lifesavers with Pride has drawn a lot of local and international support. In 2009, 134 colourful floats took part in the parade, making it the largest Mardi Gras parade ever, with performers Tina Arena and Alison Jiear taking the celebrity stage. Heading up the parade was Olympian diver Matthew Mitcham, returning from his recent victory in Beijing. This year promises to be another exciting year and in its usual tradition, organisers will be keeping the celebrity line up a secret to generate more hype about the event.

Getting Around and Staying in Town

Road closures and redirection are put in place during the parade and spectators are advised to take public transport to get to the event. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of out of town visitors descend upon Sydney to attend what PlanetOut calls the best gay event in the world and Conde Nast names as one of the world’s top 10 costume parties. In fact, New Mardi Gras research estimates that the Mardi Gras festivities generate over $29 million in tourism dollars for NSW.

While many hotels try and cash in on the event, there are a number of standout accommodations that cater to Mardi Gras visitors. We pride ourselves in being a gay friendly hotel and would love for you to come and enjoy all the Mardi Gras celebrations with us. Book a night with us.

Be a part of all the action at the Sydney Mardi Gras. We look forward to seeing you there.