- Click here for a Fair Day map and here for a program of the day's events
Sydney Mardi Gras Fair Day is set to make a vibrant return this Sunday, bouncing back with gusto after last year’s cancellation due to asbestos concerns.
Attendees can look forward to sunny skies with a high of 23 degrees forecast for the day. But it also comes with a chance of queer American singer and dancer JoJo Siwa making an appearance.
Siwa's Australian partner – actor and content creator Kath Ebbs – is scheduled to give an introduction to
queer line dancing on the Fair Day American Express main stage alongside "a very special guest all the way from the US" at 5.15pm.
Could it be with Siwa?
The American dancer and singer is currently in Australia, per recent posts on Ebbs' Instagram Story. So we believe there's a strong chance she'll be making an appearance, though no singing is promised – it is a line dancing lesson after all. But who knows what might happen?
In a video shared by Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras featuring Ebbs promoting the line dancing event, Siwa commented with a flame emoji.
Fair Day is a free community event held at Victoria Park, typically drawing an estimated 70,000 attendees. The event runs from 10am to 9pm and there are six stages, six bars, more than 200 stalls and a packed schedule of entertainment.
Activities include the dynamic First Nations Circle and the Doggywood pageant, as well as new events Trans Camp and Karaoke Cave. The Drag King Games also return to the main stage, promising a showdown of charm and talent that's set to crown a new reigning king.
The main stage will also host a diverse range of artists and community groups, including Royston Noell, Sumner, Melissa Tkautz, the cast of hit musical "Titanique" and the captivating beats of LION, as well as a special Sissy Ball showcase.
To cap it off on the main stage, DJ Nate promises to keep the energy high as the sun sets.
The ABSOLUT X dancefloor will also come alive with sets from Feisty, James Alexandr, L.O.U (VIC), and Joelby.
Meanwhile, the Optus Stage and the "Aperol Aperidisco" promise an eclectic mix of performances and music with DJs like James Alexandr, The Fabulous Wonder Mama, Joelby and Alex Dugan.
Editor’s note: Journalist Ben Grubb pays $50 annually for Mardi Gras memberships to access discounts, including at retail stores and bars, but doesn’t use the membership’s voting rights.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: [email protected]
