Sydney Mardi Gras parade reachest the physically spaced Cricket Oval, for post-pandemic parade. Photo / Don Arnold, Getty Images
Sydney Mardi Gras parade reachest the physically spaced Cricket Oval, for post-pandemic parade. Photo / Don Arnold, Getty Images
Sydney's annual iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras went ahead on Saturday, only in a different format due to coronavirus restrictions.
It was being held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where people can socially distance in their seats rather than on the traditional route down Oxford Street.
The 43rd MardiGras looked familiar but also very different to pre-pandemic years.
Up to 23,000 spectators - just under half capacity - were be allowed in the stands while the performers were on the pitch.
Sydney's biggest LGBT+ parade was given the go ahead this weekend, amid pandemic precautions. Photo / Don Arnold, Getty Images
Sydney Mardi Gras parade reachest the physically spaced Cricket Oval, for post-pandemic parade. Photo / Don Arnold, Getty Images
British pop-star Rita Ora was the big draw for the masked stadium revellers.
Organisers say this year's parade would move away from the traditional large floats and instead focus on the outlandish pageantry of costumes, puppetry and props. Face masks were be mandatory for participants and there will be temperature checks and screening at entry points.
Thank you @sydneymardigras!!! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 It was an honour to perform at such an important event last night! I can’t put into words the love I have for the LGBTQIA+ community and last night will remain a special moment for me forever! Love you all 🥰🥰🥰 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/SKOJn5Ft7X
Similarly the Oxford Street parade took a different form and was more of a street protest than a street party.
LGBTQI rights protesters were given the green light to march down Oxford Street in a separate event before the parade. Health officials in New South Wales state agreed to make an exception to the 500-person limit on public gatherings after Organisers agreed to enhanced contact-tracing processes.
