It’s been a rollercoaster week for the tireless team at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. with the recent Sydney wide issue of asbestos in public parks from Liverpool to the city being in the headlines all week.
Alas, the City of Sydney Council has found asbestos in the grounds of Victoria Park in Camperdown where the event that attracts over 70,000 people for the day and has pulled the plug on the event for community safety five days out from the event.
As a cornerstone event – and one of the main free events in the Mardi Gras calendar, it is not yet know the impact this will have on the festival because of sponsorship obligations, stall holder sales and the financial responsibilities for the organisation – but blame squarely lies with the company that did not test their mulch before supplying many parks across the Sydney basin.
Organisers are asking us all to take a look at other events in the massive annual festival to keep the pride flag waving and Sydney as the iconic global LGBTQIA+ destination it is.
In brighter news, the media launch today of the entire festival came with a murderous announcement! Fresh off a return to the charts thanks to the hit “Saltburn” SOPIE ELLIS-BEXTOR will headline the return of the Bondi Beach Party.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s career, spanning over two decades, is not only marked by her unforgettable hits like Murder on the Dancefloor, Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer), and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) but also by her lasting impact on the dance music landscape, where her distinctive anthems have become the soundtrack to countless memorable nights out around the world.
Celebrating its resurgence, Murder on the Dancefloor will be a highlight of Ellis-Bextor’s Bondi Beach Party set. Over twenty years since its release, the song has recently climbed back to the top of the charts, thanks to its iconic use in the film Saltburn. With its catchy melody and Ellis-Bextor’s mesmerizing vocals, the track has become a viral sensation, amassing millions of streams and topping Spotify’s Viral 50 chart in the U.S.
Joining Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a line-up of extraordinary talent, including the pop phenomenon Slayyyter (USA), and celebrated DJs Jay Jay Revlon (UK), Lagoon Femshaymer (UK), and Corey Craig (US). Local favourites Tyoow, Mama de Leche,and Beth Yen (ACT) will also be there to amplify the party vibes as the sun sets on this iconic global landmark.
Bondi Beach Party is more than just a party; it’s a celebration of music, culture, and inclusivity. It’s set to be an electrifying showcase of exclusive performances that will resonate long after the last beat drops.
With the Festival set to begin in just two days, Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith said “On the eve of our 46th festival, I warmly invite you all to join us in a spirit of unity and togetherness. For the next 17 days, let’s embrace the power of our community. We’re here to connect, to share, and to envision a bright future together. In a world that can sometimes feel overshadowed by darkness, our festival stands as a beacon of light. So, I urge you, come with open hearts and minds, ready to connect, celebrate, and embody the inclusivity that lies at the very core of our community.”
THE DETAILS
What: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party
When: Saturday 24 February 2024
Where: Bondi Beach
Tickets: $239 +bf