Block out your calendars for March 2, 2024, the official date for the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Taylor Swift fans can breathe a sigh of relief after initial concern that the world’s biggest night-time LGBTIQ+ parade may collide with the pop superstar’s Sydney concert dates.
Instead, the concert will fall in the middle of the 2024 festival, which will run from February 16 until March 3.
None of the other landmark events of Mardi Gras have solid dates yet, but typically Fair Day occurs on the first Sunday of the festival, which would be February 18.
The theme for 2024 is “Our Future”, which Mardi Gras says calls upon LGBTIQ+ communities to imagine and demand the world that they rightfully deserve.
“Our Future… beckons all to participate, influence, and champion LGBTQIA+ causes,” Mardi Gras said.
Acting Mardi Gras chief executive Gil Beckwith said it’s not just a theme but a call to action to define and shape the path forward.
“It’s a statement that is open to interpretation and engagement, irrespective of geographical location or physical attendance,” she said.
Applications to participate in the 2024 parade open Thursday and will close at 5pm on September 14.
Editor’s note: GSN editor Ben Grubb pays a $50 annual fee for access to Mardi Gras membership discounts. Eliot Hastie is a lapsed member.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
