Top Ten Must See Events at This Year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

1. THE MARDI GRAS DISCO CLIMB

Talk about getting high on life. If God is a DJ then this rainbow themed dancefloor atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge is surely heaven. Can you think of a better way to herald in Mardi Gras season than combining disco with bridge climb? Thought not.

The climb has limited departures and is only available during Mardi Gras. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Disco Climb. Mardi Gras 2014. Source: Supplied

2. THE 36TH ANNUAL SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS PARADE

Sydney is home to the loudest, proudest, largest and most-loved celebrations of the LGBTQI community on Earth. Join hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the route along Oxford and Flinders streets on Saturday, March 1. Plant a smile on your face and simply enjoy the wild ride.

Rain, hail or shine, revellers gather along the route. Source: News Limited

3. FAIR DAY

If Parade is the party then Fair Day is the fete of Mardi Gras season. Get along to Victoria Park on City Rd, Chippendale on Sunday, February 9 for this all-day family-friendly picnic celebration. Enjoy roving drag performers, gourmet food, loads of market stalls and the Doggywood tent for pampered pooches.

Performers Mrs Vera, Dob Downe and Mr Tina pictured at Mardi Gras Fair Day. Source: News Limited

4. JOHN WATERS LIVE AND IN PERSON

American filmmaker John Waters, he of the pencil-thin moustache, appears for one night only at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday, March 9. The cult figure, who appears on Sunday, March 9, is responsible for Hollywood gems Hairspray and Cry-Baby and is notoriously candid about the downside of fame.

Filmmaker, playwright, comedian and man for all seasons John Waters appears for one night only at the Sydney Opera House. Source: Supplied

5. PAM ANN presents PLANE FILTHY

Pam Ann is the anything-goes air hostess alter-ego of Australian comedian Caroline Reid. Get set for some seriously funny observations on air travel through the golden age. Not to be missed. Reid performs over two nights, February 27 and 28, at the State Theatre. Punters will also be presented with a complimentary glass of sparkly and a Pam Ann compact and fridge magnet. All class!

Pam Ann A plane sitting on the tarmac at an airport. Very high resolution 3D render. Source:Supplied

6. KINGS & QUEENS of CABARET

Enjoy a stellar Mardi Gras cabaret season at the Slide Lounge, Darlinghurst all this month. Among the headliners will be Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham, who will debut his own show. The multi-talented Mitcham is joined by queen of country Beccy Cole and a host of other performers. Check out the full program at mardigras.org.au

To get you warmed up for the main event, here's a little gold medal entree from Mr Mitcham

MATTHEW MITCHAM GOLD MEDAL DIVE

7. COURTNEY ACT in BOYS LIKE ME

Following sold-out seasons in New York and Los Angeles, Australia's own Courtney Act performs hit cabaret show Boys Like Me for one night only, February 25, at the Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay. Act is a bona fide homegrown superstar at the top of her game. Boys Like Me tackles masculinity, femininity and dirty laundry.

COURTNEY ACT IN BOYS LIKE ME

8. HARBOUR PARTY

Summer sun, an iconic harbour and big dance beats combine to make the Mardi Gras Harbour Party a hot ticket item this season. Gather at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie's Point on Saturday, February 22 from 3pm. Bring your dancing shoes. Already confirmed acts include British DJ Joey Negro and Paul Goodyear from the US.

Joey Negro plays the Harbour Party on February 22. Source: Supplied

9. RAINBOW RUN

Fitness freaks unite and show your support for equal love by taking part in the Rainbow Run. Held Saturday, February 8 in Sydney Park, St Peters participants should be at the start line of the 6km course by 10am. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Equal Love initiatives in Australia. A DJ set broadcasted throughout the circuit has been designed to keep participants motived.

Show your support for marriage equality by taking part in the Rainbow Run. Source: News Limited

10. THE VAUDEVILLIANS featuring JINKX MONSOON

Those well abreast of the reality television hit RuPaul's Drag Race will already be familiar with irrepressible narcoleptic drag queen Jinkx Monsoon. The Season 5 champion makes her Australian debut with co-star Major Scales at the Vanguard, Newtown from February 18 until March 2.

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Kylie Kicks Off 25 Years Celebrations at Sydney Mardi Gras

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and strategic partner Destination NSW, today confirmed that Kylie Minogue will attend this year's Sydney Mardi Gras Parade and join Sydney's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community in celebrating a milestone in her career K25 -- 25 Years of Kylie.

"I am coming home for Mardi Gras this year!" said Minogue. "I simply cannot wait, and it's going to be a beautiful way to celebrate 25 years of this relationship."

"Your support over the years has just been phenomenal and I can't wait to come home and share that with you. So see you in March."

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras alongside its strategic partner Destination NSW, wanted to mark the acclaimed artist's career milestone, K25, with a personal invitation to be part of the event, widely recognised as the world's best celebration of LGBTQI pride and diversity and one that draws significant economic benefits to Sydney and NSW at large.

SGLMG will honour Minogue during the Parade with a spectacular K25 float that pays homage to her career and support of the LGBTQI community. SGLMG's CEO Michael Rolik says Minogue's RSVP to Sydney Mardi Gras 14 years after her last Party performance will once again make Mardi Gras go down in history.

"There is no doubt that our community contains an enormous number of Kylie fans so we are delighted that she will be here for Mardi Gras at the start of her 25th anniversary in the music industry," says Rolik. "There are often rumours that Kylie will be back at Mardi Gras and today we are pleased to confirm she will be here to party alongside us over the Parade weekend. We will be pulling out all the stops to show her a good time."

"In strategic partnership with Destination NSW we have been investing in the quality of the Parade. This year promises to deliver a wonderful Parade and Kylie's attendance will be the cherry on the cake."

NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and The Arts, George Souris said, "We welcome Kylie Minogue to Australia's leading tourism and events city for one of the world's leading events."

"Ms. Minogue has a very special place in Australians' hearts. She has a global audience who adore her. Where better for her to celebrate her 25 years in entertainment than in Sydney, Australia's global city."

www.mardigras.org.au

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