Fair Day kicks off Mardi Gras Festival

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair DayCelebrating 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