Next year marks the fortieth year of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and to celebrate this milestone, the Opera House sails will be lit hot pink this Friday November 3, as organisers launch the 2018 program.
“Mardi Gras is 40 years young, and we can’t think of a more fabulous way to announce our full program than by painting the most iconic building in Australia pink,” said Terese Casu, Mardi Gras Arts CEO.
“2017 has been a big year for the LGBTQI community worldwide, as we continue to strive for equality, and in some cases, fight for our very lives. The hot pink sails of the Sydney Opera House will be a dazzling beacon of queer recognition and celebration, beamed around the globe.”
Clover Moore added: “This is a major milestone in the history of one of Sydney’s most important events, one that represents our city at its best – diverse, open, creative and irreverent.
“From the first march in 1978 to being one of the world’s great LGBTIQ festivals, the history of Mardi Gras is the history of the community’s long path to equality. We are proud to be a long term supporter of Mardi Gras and of the great welcome Sydney gives to visitors from all over the world.”
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival begins February 17, and will span 17 days. Tickets to the full program go on sale Friday. Find out more from the official site.
NB: The above image is from 2015, when the sails were lit pink by the McGrath Foundation to celebrate a decade of work.
