Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras has today confirmed Camperdown Memorial Rest Park in Newtown as the new location of Fair Day on Sunday 19 February 2017.
One of Sydney’s much-loved annual community events for LGBTQI people and their friends and families, Fair Day attracts over 80,000 people for a day of fun in the sun. This year, Fair Day presents a huge line up of live entertainment, community activations, food stalls as well as a special Fashions of The Fair competition, a chance to have your footwear glittered up to become a part of a float at this year’s Parade and the ever-popular Doggywood parade.
“Our terrific new location in the heart of Newtown will really add an exciting new dynamic to Fair Day that promises to be one of the best yet,” said Mardi Gras CEO Terese Casu. “The Park is within easy walking distance of all public transport and extra buses and trains will be running on the day”
There’ll be something for everyone at this year’s Fair Day. The great line-up of entertainment on the ANZ Main Stage includes the cast of Kinky Boots giving attendees a taste of the hit stage show currently playing in Sydney, Swing Out Sydney bringing some fifties glam, as well as performances by Aimee Francis, Hannah Conda, Melinda Schneider, Trevor Ashley, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir and DJ Kitty Glitter.
With over 220 stalls you’ll be able to picnic on a wonderful selection of food stalls, while perusing wares from local community vendors and learn more about local LGBTQI organisations. And of course, don’t forget to bring your furry friends to strut their stuff at the famous Doggywood, bigger and better than ever as we present this iconic event with ACON.
“New in 2017 will be a 20-metre-long photographic art installation spelling out this year’s theme of EQUALITY featuring stunning black & white photos from the My People My Tribe Project,” said Creative Director, Greg Clarke. “We also invite everyone to bring a fabulous stiletto or kitten heel shoe to glitter bomb which will become part of a special Andy Warhol float for the 2017 Parade.”
For a more intimate special experience there will also be the opportunity to sit and chat with one of the original members of the 78’er group, and hear first-hand what that very first Mardi Gras was like in 1978. Fair Day favourite community groups including Dykes on Bikes, the Team Sydney & many more will be joining us to celebrate.
Fair Day is the perfect hybrid of picnic and party. Come dressed in your most outrageous colourful picnic couture and you can strut your stuff on the Main Stage for Fashions of the Fair, to be in the running for fabulous prizes! Donations help keep Fair Day free for everyone, so spare some loose change upon entry, with all funds raised going towards Mardi Gras Community grants.
The 2017 Mardi Gras Fair Day takes place at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Newtown on Sunday 19 February from 10.00am. For more information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.
Image: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day (supplied)