A dazzling display of pride and self-expression will again take over the Sydney Cricket Ground with the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 5 March 2022.
Promising to be bigger and better than ever, next year’s Mardi Gras Festival will feature a packed program of theatre, visual arts, parties, community gatherings, panel discussions, and more to be announced.
Both a powerful protest and a glittering celebration, the parade brings together LGBTIQ+ people from around the world to share their passion, champion equal rights, and show their pride.
The 2022 Mardi Gras theme is ‘United We Shine’.
“Our theme this year is a reminder of all that we can achieve when our communities rise as one,” said Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger.
“It is a call to stand united against the inequalities LGBTIQ+ people continue to face and empowers us with the strength that our history shows: that we have the power to create a more equitable society.
“For over 40 years, we have fought for equality, allowing us to live openly and authentically, free from stigma.
“A lot has changed for the better, and the new generation of LGBTIQ+ Australians are growing up in a more accepting time.
“The time to use our voices and rally together has never been more important than it is now.”
Organisers have decided that returning to the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2022 provides the best chance for the parade to proceed given the uncertain COVID-19 situation.
The venue will allow room to scale the parade up or down to ensure it takes place in case of further restrictions.
“Our priority with planning for next year’s parade was ensuring we can once again deliver a safe event,” said Kruger.
“Mardi Gras can’t guarantee that in the next few months things will be back to normal and we can safely have hundreds of thousands of spectators on the streets.
“The Parade is too important to the community to risk having to cancel.”
The parade is planned to return to Oxford Street for its 45th anniversary in 2023 as a feature of Sydney WorldPride.
“The City of Sydney is a proud, long-term supporter of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and I commend the organisation for continuing to adapt to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID over the past 18 months,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“Mardi Gras’ decision to return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade is prudent given the uncertainty posed by the pandemic, which we will continue to face for some time yet.”
Tickets for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade go on sale Monday 15 November.
Applications will also open on Monday 15 November for 3,000 free parade tickets for those experiencing financial hardship.
Expressions of interest are now open for anyone wishing to enter a parade float, volunteer for the festival, or have a stall at Fair Day.
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