Celebrating the start of the 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras season, Fair Day takes place in Victoria Park this Sunday 21 February – in one of the biggest and colourful community events on the city’s LGBTI calendar.
With more than 80,000 people expected to attend – a full day of live performances, roaming drag talent, community stalls, kids’ activities, entertainment, fabulous gourmet food, and plenty of opportunities for retail therapy.
Fair Day 2016 is promising to be a record year for stalls with over 250 community local businesses and artisans, LGBTI organisations, Mardi Gras partners attending and showcasing a wide range of services and products.
Some of the highlights include: the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association Business Avenue, Team Sydney, Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia (GALTA), ACON, Positive Life, Prostate Cancer Council, Points of Difference Events, and a renewed and expanded Doggywood for our pampered pooches.
Once again, a fantastic range of food and beverages will be available throughout the day, including the Fair Day staples of Gozleme, BBQ and German Sausages, joined by some wonderful new offerings – French Raclette, Hungarian Langos and pulled pork rolls.
Throughout the park, coffee, smoothies and juices will be sold from a range of stalls, together with some great cakes, desserts and sweets. As the day heats up, look out for the ice cream and liquid nitrogen gelato!
The inner thrill-seeker will love the carnival rides, while family friendly activities include: the Magic Yellow Toy Library Bus, the Taronga Zoo exhibition, and a pop-up theatre from the team at Griffin Theatre Company.
The ANZ Main Stage is your home of entertainment with performances throughout the day including: Deni Hines, Natalie Conway, Luke Anthony, Courtney Act and Trevor Ashley; Swing Out Sydney; Mr Boylesque; the NSW Police Band and a whole lot more.
Special guest appearances include: Charisma Belle, Hannah Conda, Felicity Frockaccino, Justin Hill (2day FM), Dorreen Manganini, Matthew Mitcham, Richard Reid, and Mardi Gras Party star DJs Tanner Derby and Mark Alsop MA15+.
Keen to kick on after a day basking in the sun? Head down King Street to the Official Fair Day After Party. The Marlborough Hotel is throwing open their doors to the sun-kissed Fair Day crowd, with great food, DJs, drinks and drag well into the night.
The 2016 Mardi Gras Fair Day takes place on Sunday 21 February: 10am – 8pm at Victoria Park, Camperdown. For more information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.
Image: crowds enjoying the stalls at Fair Day