Bondi Beach will once again host another party during next year’s Mardi Gras season, it can be officially confirmed, after 2024’s full Mardi Gras program line-up was announced.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Friday confirmed GSN’s September 15 article that reported on a Waverley Council decision to approve “the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party event at Bondi Park, Beach… and Bondi Pavilion on a date to be confirmed in late February 2024”.
The date locked in for the Bondi Beach party in the city’s east is Saturday, February 24. That night, popstar Taylor Swift will be performing at Accor Stadium in Sydney’s west as part of her Eras tour. Swift is also performing at the stadium on Friday the 23rd, Sunday the 24th and Monday the 26th.
NSW Minister for Arts, Jobs and Tourism John Graham told GSN that Sydney would be ready to handle the two big events.
“This will be one more very big night in Sydney with people moving around the city. But of course Sydney’s got used to these big events.”
Graham said WorldPride brought Sydney back to life and he was excited to extend the celebration.
“I’ve got a feeling that Mardi Gras next year will be really important and allow Sydney to really reach its potential,” he said.
Other events confirmed include the Ultra Violet party for LGBTQIA+ women on February 17, Fair Day (Feb. 18), the parade and after-party (March 2), and Laneway (March 3).
The Kaftana pool party has also been confirmed for February 21, as well as boat party Hot Trans Summer (Feb. 22), Welcome to Country ceremony First Festival Light (Feb. 16), comedy event Laugh Out Proud (Feb. 23), talkfest Queer Futures (Feb. 24 and 25), Sissy Ball (Feb 24), Paradiso Pool Party (Feb. 26), and Queer Art After Hours (Feb. 28).
Diamond Dance, run by Pollys Club for older queer people to feel included, will also be on.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that the city embraces the LGBTQIA community and was proud to support the largest queer nighttime parade in the world.
“We will contribute more than $1.5 million over the next four years to this wonderful celebration that has such a positive impact on the city,” she said.
Sydney Mardi Gras chief executive Gil Beckwith said that next year‘s celebration would be even bigger than the years before it.
“I’m terribly proud of the 2024 festival,” she said. “We’ve put together one of our biggest yet, including five totally new events.
“There [are] over 100 plus events that we welcome you to join us in their celebration of our vibrancy, diversity, our love and our joy.”
Tickets for Mardi Gras events go on sale 10am on Monday, November 20.
Mardi Gras members will get early access to tickets from 10am Wednesday, November 15, and American Express cardholders will have early access to tickets from 10am Thursday, November 16.
Both Mardi Gras members and American Express cardholders will be able to access the presale until 9am AEDT Monday, November 20, or until allocations are exhausted – whichever comes first.
This year’s Bond Beach Party formed part of the WorldPride celebrations and was the first time the city held a large queer party at the beach.
Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Doll fame was the headline act at the party, while DJs included dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy.
Next year’s 2024 Mardi Gras season runs from February 16 until March 3.
Editor’s note: Ben Grubb pays a $50 annual fee for access to Mardi Gras membership discounts. Eliot Hastie is also a paying member.
Gay Sydney News editor