Sydney holds 44th annual Mardi Gras parade

Sydney's annual iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade went ahead on Saturday. It was the 44th edition. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic it was held, like last year, at the Sydney Cricket Ground rather than on the traditional route down Oxford Street where it had taken place for the past 43 years prior to 2021.

Spectators were allowed in the stands only while the 6,500 people marching and some 160 floats parading were on the pitch. This year's parade theme was "UNITED WE SHINE" which, according to the organisers' statement, "signifies that when we band together, we shine brighter. It is a rallying call to stand up against hate and inequality, reminding us that when we rise as a collective, our message of love and inclusion is heard louder."

The 'Dykes on Bikes' opened the four-hour long parade on their motorcycles as they have done for the past 31 years. Numerous groups walked in front of the seated revellers including the 78ers, representing members of the LGBTQ+ community that clashed with police forces in 1978 in Sydney's Oxford Street, the City of Sydney, the Gay Tradies, doctors and dentists of the GLADD group and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation which is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. Singers Darren Hayes and Vanessa Amorosi and children's band The Wiggles were some of the main stars performing at this year's event.