Mardi Gras’ 2024 event line-up was only released on Friday morning but already questions are being asked about how much ticket prices have gone up for the official parade after-party and Bondi Beach Party.
The cost of living continues to impact Australians with the latest casualty being next year’s Mardi Gras festival.
Tickets for the 2024 after-party are $239, which is 54% higher than the starting price of last year’s event.
LGBTI+ community member Bradley Tubb noted the change on his Instagram, noting it was roughly in line with the percentage change of the cash rate by the Reserve Bank.
There have also been a number of other increases: the Bondi Beach Party has risen from $179 to $239, the Paradiso Pool Party has increased from $79 to $89 and the Sissy Ball is now $75 compared to $65 this year.
A Mardi Gras spokesperson confirmed to GSN that these are the final prices and that tickets for the Bondi Beach Party and main after-party are a flat ticket price.
There will be no second or third release increase.
“Mardi Gras Party and Bondi Beach Party will feature a single ticket price of $239 throughout the season, with no price increases across different releases,” the spokesperson said.
“This means no surprises, and no rush – just equal opportunity for all to plan and secure their spot at their own pace. Even in a challenging economic climate, we prioritise the delivery of a festival that is as inclusive as it is vibrant.
“Mardi Gras Party and the Bondi Beach Party represent the premium end of our Festival offerings, set within an expansive line-up of events designed to embrace and entertain every facet of our community.”
On social media a number of people expressed their disappointment at the price increases.
“Girl at these prices they better bring Whitney Houston back from the dead as the headliner,” said Jesse D’Vauz (@jessedvauz).
Said Laurence Barber (@laurencesmb): “Mama…tickets for this [Bondi Beach Party] and the after party are each gonna be $240. They better be handing out horse medication on the door or booking Ms Dua [Lipa] herself cause this WILD.”
Said Dom Agnew (@dom_agnew): “These prices are insane. Very tone-deaf in a cost of living crisis.”Said @Chrisjthetraveller: “Lol how did prices almost double since last year… After a very good but also taxing worldpride, it might be the right time to take a break from mardigras.”
The 2024 lineup includes more than 100 events across three weekends.
Mardi Gras says it will be one of the biggest yet and that there are free events like Fair Day, the Minus 18 Queer Formal and the Festival First Light Welcome to Country.
This article was written by Eliot Hastie (@eliothastie).
Editor’s note: Eliot Hastie pays a $50 annual fee for access to Mardi Gras membership discounts.
Gay Sydney News reporter