Friday, February 8, 2013

All The Fun of the [Mardi Gras] Fair

Gone are the days when Sydney's Mardi Gras was just a Saturday night parade for a select group. The event has definitely penetrated mainstream and now, after 35 years, Mardi Gras is a whole month of festivities - with parties, parades and picnics. Officially, it all kicks off this Sunday at Fair Day.



At Fair Day in Victoria Park, expect performances, outrageous costumes, food tents, bars, live music, amusement rides and the hotly contested Doggywood pet pageant.

Says Lord Mayor, Clover Moore “Fair Day celebrates the start of one of our biggest parties – each year Sydney Mardi Gras attracts about 25,000 tourists who boost our local economy by more than $30 million.

“The event shows that we are an accepting and welcoming community and also helps to promote Sydney around the world as Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) capital.

The City is promoting “riding a bike as the best way to get to Fair Day, and will provide free valet parking to keep bikes safe and secure while everyone enjoys the fun of the fair."

There is also a stall where new or out-of-action riders can Try2Wheels; preparing themselves for the wider world and Sydney roads and maybe joining the 30,000 people already riding in Sydney each week.



According to Sydney Spokes President Mauricio Herrera cycling is not only good exercise, but also “a fantastic way to meet other gays and lesbians.”

“I moved to Erskineville from Venezuela about four years ago and joined Sydney Spokes because I wanted the opportunity to ride with someone else and get to know Sydney – it’s helped me make a great new group of friends,” Mr Herrera said.

“Sydney Spokes has been around for 27 years and we have more than 60 gay and lesbian members who meet up almost every weekend for organised rides."

City of Sydney Fair Day bike details:


  • Free valet bike parking from 10am-7.30pm, entry via City Road near Cleveland Street
  • Visit the two bike mechanics next to the Bike Valet for free tune-ups
  • Try2Wheels between 10am and 7.30pm and visit the information stand in Area G to try a bike, pick up a map, find information about free bike courses, check out the latest accessories, and go in the draw for great prizes, including a brand-new bike
  • The Sydney Cycleways stand will sit alongside gay and lesbian cycling group Sydney Spokes in the Fair Day Sports Village organised by Team Sydney



For more information about the City’s bike network visit sydneycycleways.net


Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Sydney Chinese New Year Festivities kick off TONIGHT with the official launch of the 2013 Year of the Snake in Belmore Park.  Dragons and lions will come to to life, as well as sparkling firecrackers designed to scare off the previous year’s misfortunes.


Exclusive performances by folk singers and magicians from the City’s 2013 Chinese New Year partner city Shenzhen will follow, along with a sneak peak of what audiences can expect to see at this year’s Twilight Parade on 17 February.

Before the celebration gets underway, crowds can enjoy the contemporary beats of DJs live on stage, and the SBS Pop Asia radio crew will keep the entertainment going till in the night with competitions, giveaways and non-stop Asian pop.


TONIGHT: 6PM
AT: Belmore Park – between Eddy Avenue and Hay Street, Haymarket
(near Central Station)