Welcome to Pinkboard's Mardi Gras 2008 Graffiti Wall. This year we are celebrating Mardi Gras' 30th anniversary. And it looks like it is going to be a really big year.

A quick history lesson first. Way back June 1978, before some of you were even thought of, a number of gay men and women (as they were called then) marched in solidarity with sisters and brothers around the world. In 1969 the police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York once too often and the patrons rioted. The 1978 march was commemorating this riot and the birth of the modern gay rights movement. This march turned into a riot as police tried to close it down. Eventually the police herded the marchers into Kings Cross and proceeded to attack them. Many arrests followed.

We have been commemorating this event and celebrating the progress towards equality for 30 years. We are still not equal, but we are definitely more equal than we were, and we have more rights than many other countries. In fact homosexuality is still punishable by death in a number of countries, for instance Iran.

Mardi Gras is known to the world as the parade. This is part protest, part celebration, part spectacle. It means different things to different people. Mardi Gras chairman Marcus Bourget has foreshadowed changes to the parade, however this requires lots of discussion.

But Mardi Gras is more than just the parade. On Pinkboard it is mostly about The Party. It is also Fair Day with around 70,000 people attending, theatre, sport, art, music and more parties. There is so much to do that many people call it the Gay Christmas.

This year's poster is a celebration of the last 30 years with many images from past Mardi Gras and Sleaze posters. See how many you can pick.

Mardi Gras Home Page
Mardi Gras 2007 Graffiti Wall #1 and #2
Mardi Gras 2008 Graffiti Wall #2

New wall .... YAY !!! YAY !!!!

Im First yes i am .,..... yay yay HIP HIP HOORAY !!!

WOO HOO !!!!!!!

At first I thought it would be terrible not to have the parade - but thinking about it & what the parade has now become I think this could be a very positive step. I have been in the parade (& will be again next year) and watched it as a spectator on the street & from a balcony. A few years ago I walked down Oxford St after the parade with a group of friends to the party & it was quite a scary experience - not gay friendly at all. Drunk & out of it teenagers who were there to cause trouble - not to join in a celebration of gay & lesbian Sydney.
So let's consider ending the parade with a bang on the 30th anniversary. Keep the parties - make them really kick arse, keep Mardi Gras festival - And channel the extra funds into making fair day something really special for our community - for us.
I am soooo looking forward to the season ahead - I bought my party tickets yesterday - wooohooo !!!

The parade is the only part of the MG festival I participate in. MG gets less and less relevant to me each year and now it looks like it could become even less so.

"The parade is the only part of the MG festival I participate in. MG gets less and less relevant to me each year and now it looks like it could become even less so."

The crux question here is WHY do you allow yourself to be a participant in a circus event. The majority of the people who attend the parade arent saying "wow , he/she is marching for gay rights" , they're actually there viewing you as entertainment, something to have a laugh at. Many are simply viewing the parade as a bunch of half naked poofs making fools of themselves.

Thats how relavant the parade is to people now days.

It used to be protest march. Now its just a sham.

Time to put the baby the bed, she's very very tired.

Agree the Parade can go as I feel it attracts the wrong types to the area now.

Spend up big on the Festival, Fair Day etc and spend up big on lighting/production at the Party. The Party has been the main fund raiser for all those other free events.
I still think Fair Day should have a token gold coin collection upon entry.

Plenty happy to diss the Party but happy to go to free events.

I think Fair Day could take over from where the Parade was and all the various charities/venues/groups can display their wares all day instead of a few minutes in a drunken street.
And maybe some more covered areas for people to sit would be great as well

" I feel it attracts the wrong types to the area now."
I find this amusing. Have you been to Oxford street on any given friday or saturday? That's when you'll see the "wrong types" in the area all year round.

Is the parade done in partnership with the city of sydney or something like that? If not, then why? Perhaps someone should approach the mayor or someone like that and ask for sponsorship from the city that is reaping all of the benifits of our parade... just a thought...

Nah I like the idea of Fair Day taking over from the
Parade.

You want get any ( maybe a few ) of the wrong types there and we can make our political statements, show off our community organisations, the venues can have their tents as they presently do etc .

We could erect signs facing the road stating whatever we like and would be there for the whole day , not just a few hours one night.

Plus save lots of $'s for other events, better things at the parties and so on.

im 2nd yay!!

For what it's worth, I'd be ultra disappointed if the parade went. Yes it's mainly for entertainment purposes these days, I agree with that, but there are still some relevant entries, like PFlag, for example.
Regarding the closing time being 8am intead of 10am, I'm all for it, I think I've probably only stayed till the end about 2 or 3 times so I'd be stoked to get to see the closing show as well.
Aaaahhh.... Kylie.... I'll keep dreaming and crossing my fingers for her to be part of Mardi Gras. Love my Kylie! :D

There seems to be a lot of people who could do without the Parade (on this wall).
I am one of them.

I have been to every MG party since the days of Paddo town hall and participated in many parades but I think the march up Oxford St has passed its 'use by date'.

A lot or the parade goers don't go on to the party ('not their scene or too expensive') and a lot of the party crowd skip the parade all together ('full of drunken straights').

The money saved from the parade can go towards an even more fabulous party for those wish to celebrate that way.

Those with a more political bent or those less finanicial can enjoy an improved 'free' Fair day.

If Marcus is really considering this it would be good to go out with a bang and advertise the 30th anniversary parade as the last.

not that bad in plain white ! anyhow !

hope it's a big typing mistake on mardi gras website to announce 8 am closing time for the party ! don't they know mardi gras party is 10 am ! for yearssssssss !

xoxoxoxox djbear

No, I think you'll find that the Mardi Gras party is closing at 8am this year. It's not a typo.

The City of Sydney Council tries to abstain from getting involved with any party that has particular political/moral/religious views (except for mainstream Christianity, which seems to be acceptable in society). It has to try and remain objective on matters. Hence why a sponsorship opportunity will not work with them!

I'm really pissed at the 8am finish time.

The traditional 10am closing time has been in for years and years and its the only thing thats sets it apart from Sleaze Ball in my opinion.

I think the new 8am finish time is simply yet another nasty cost cutting exercise and i do not welcome this at all.

We have an increased ticket price for the 2008 party but will have to endure a 1/6th stripping in the traditional duration of the event. GO FIGURE !

Not Happy.

Amazing how the people in charge have simply decided to yet again kill off one of the more unique tradtions of the Mardi Gras party.

RIP the 10am close

well it seems that there are a lot of older people who read this wall. i for one am younger and think loosing the parade would just be awful

Don't forget, we now also have the annual August 13th Protest Rally for Equality, that actually unites the entire country... with not only a march down Oxford Street on the weekend around Aug 13th, but marches in all capital cities & many country areas all on the same day.
If we stop the Mardi Gras march & focus all the money onto the party, then for a rally, have all the tv crews focus on the National Protest Rally for Equality on August 13th each year, involving the whole of Australia.

I think the parade is a very visible statement of how the GLBTIQ community feels about itself. Its a statement not just to our community, but to the nation. in the past it was a protest, now it has a celebratory feel. the parade is a marker for all and it says 'we are visible'

Well done Marcus.... start a discussion in direct contradiction with the Constitution of New Mardi Gras. Bloody Stupid I say!

As others have said re the Parade it just reinforces stereotypes. Parts of the crowd just there for a laugh,its over in a few hours.

I really enjoy Fair Day and it could be expanded to make statements and to show off the gay community to the majority of gay people all day. Not every gay person is into partying/Oxford St etc.
Fair Day lets people listen to music other than dance music, show off their dogs, have a picnic, talk to various stall holders etc. At the parade anyone wanting to talk to a particular community even cant as its whizzing past on a truck etc.
Anyone attending Fair Day for the last few years knows the numbers are growing whereas the numbers for the Parade have been dropping so doesnt that at least show you the way the community is heading/preferring ?

i am pretty shocked at the 8am closing time.

the party traditionally closes at 10 so that everyone who participates in the parade can have an opportunity to unpack floats, go home get changed then get to party. Volunteers who work on the parade would also be disadvantaged.

Please can you show me exactly where the constitution there is a paragraph whcih contradicts anything Marcus said?

Poor NMG

Damnded if they do

Damned if they dont

The "damned if you do and damned if you dont" theory really annoys me - It's quite a pointless and superfluous thing to say.

Everyone has an opinion and everyones opinion differs from each other.

NMG is like everything other thing in life, they make decisions that will please some and not others. Thats just the way life is. The day NMG make a decision that pleases (or displeases) EVERYONE is the day we've all been reprogrammed as robots.

Saying "damned if you do and damned if you dont" is just a ridiculous waste of time because you are stating the bleeding obvious.

I think you'll find Marcus' speech was about the fact that Mardi Gras members and party ticket buyers bankroll the parade that brings in tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars into the state economy. It's about time the government picked up the costs as they do with other major events.

Re the new party closing time... personally I love the idea. It was always a struggle to stay all the way until 10am and this way so many more people will be able to see the closing show. I dare say there will be a lot less medical incidents due to people overdoing it in the final hours.

For All those who have negetive comments to say about
NMG and the directors, Least we have a Mardi Gras team i say, dont forget where we were a few years back when the whole thing fell to shit, where were you whinging queens then, Be thankful:
(A) We are having a 30th party it could have very not have happened.
(B) Who cares the party is finishing at 8am like your ever coherent at that time of the morning to care.

I think we need to give more credit to Marcus and the team for all the time and hard work they are putting in to make this a successful 30th party then to tear them a new one with all your bitchy remarks, If didnt have these guys we would have nothing , then what will you complain about ... Just enjoy it and be thankful i say.

So no Hordern, Dome or Forum? Hard to believe it's true. I love sitting on the grass near the Dome having a rest and chatting with friends. Will we still be able to do this?

More thoughts re the parade.

If the members "bankroll" the parade, then what do the huge costs charged to the organisations entering the parade pay for? It's not cheap to enter the parade so where is that money going?

Furthermore has anyone thought of the economic repercussions of NOT having a parade?

Ask any club along Oxford street which night of the year is the biggest trading night for them. It's the night of the parade!

What about the charities who earn 1000's of dollars from their reserved seating stands? Will NMG be compensating them for lost revenue?

Various performers host commentaries on the parade along the route each year. Again who will compensate them for lost money?

Scrapping the parade is the most irresponsible suggestion i've heard in a long time. Instead let's scrap the party! The party wasn't part of the original Mardi Gras tradition and is just another excuse for a few thousand people to have a drugged up night.

Plenty of other parties these days have cheaper tickets, better talent and immeasurably better production values.

IF one has to choose between the two, I'd rather see the parade stay and the party go.

My personal preference is BOTH should remain and an out of touch committie should be the ones to go.

Someone mentioned the situation a few years ago when MG went belly up. I can see the same happening in a short time frame if all of our traditions continue to be stripped away.

All venues are trading. RHI, Hordern, Dome, Forum, Fuse Bar and Fox and Lion.

when is a stereotype not a stereotype? To some observers the the typical Fairdayer could reinforce the whole inner west, gluten intolerant, liberal wet complete with a smelly pooch type. To each their own i say. I never understood why the people who go to fairday are so morally sniify about people who enjoy the parade and party.

Another point is that we should start having a cover charge for Fairday instead of being subsidised by other Mradigras events.

I agree re the safety of an earlier close. Personally, I'm ready to go at 7 and be tucked up in bed by 8.30 after a lovely cup of tea and a shower. Pure bliss! I do understand that people will be a bit miffed at paying more for less though. Hopefully this will offset by a fabulous venue and shows. Glad to hear all halls will be in use. It's funny that that NMG website mentions just one.

It will be worth revising the NMG website as some parts still refer to the party being just in the RHI. Others mention Moore Park.

Luv the Mardi Gras poster.....

Got my hands on The Festival Guide it's gunna be a hectic February next year with so many good things to see and do. And top it off with a massive party weekend.

Bring it on is all I can say......

So are we all gunna wear pearl necklaces for Mardi Gras 30th?

See if my bf is up to it just before we leave for the party........or will there be plenty available at the party? hhhhhmmmmmmm, if only we could have the men only tent back!!!!

I for one may try for a few pearl necklaces as well.

Well there have certainly been some depressing comments here about the parade! But for those among you...and I know you are out there....who love the parade for all its fun, politics, brashness, quirkiness, sense of community and general fabulousness, here is some info about what we will be doing in the parade and we are happy to hear from anyone who isn't too depressed and may wish to join us:

THUNDERBAGS ARE GO!

Calling all Thunderbags!

Do you want to be part of Mardi Gras's 30th anniversary parade?

On March 1st a squadron of Thunderbags and their crews will be flying up Oxford St powered by Shameless Handbag Music (SHM). We are looking for recruits to join this elite squadron.

The design will unite that community icon, the Handbag, with the music of our community (SHM) and characters that should be iconic in our community, Thunderbirds, to form a squadron of 15 giant handbags. They will be accompanied by a marching group in Thunderbird inspired outfits. Everyone has done a Thunderbird puppet impersonation at some stage in their life. This is your big chance to do it for millions as part of a choreographed group!

Our previous designs include a flock of pink flamingoes carrying babies that led the Parade in 2001; a giant sardine tin with human sardines inside; Marie Antoinette style costumes made out of plastic water bottles and marching Spongebob Squarepants ….but 2008 is the year of the Thunderbag.

We are looking for handbag pilots, dancers, a choreographer and people wanting to paint, glitter-glue or use a power tool.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a memorable float! And better still, since you will be issued a unique Thunderbag uniform, you won't have to worry about what to wear to the party! You don't have to be able to dance or have any special skills but you do have to be willing to have a bit of fun with the idea.

If you are interested or want to find out more, send an email to Thunderbags08@gmail.com to register interest. We have a Facebook group page called 'Thunderbags Are Go'to upload pictures and designs. But remember, there is a strict limit to the numbers, so register soon and become a Thunderbag for Mardi Gras.

F.A.B.

Kathy Sant (AKA Lady Penelope) and Jenny Mann (AKA Brains)

.
TICKETS TO ALL MARDI GRAS EVENTS ARE NOW ON SALE!

Key dates for Mardi Gras events:

Wildlife - New Years Eve, in partnership with Fuzzy and Fag Tag

2008 Festival Season - Saturday 9 February - Sunday 2 March 2008

Launch - Saturday 9 February

Pool Party - Saturday 16 February

Fair Day - Sunday 17 February

Sol y Luna - Harbour 2008 - Sunday 24 February

Parade - Saturday 1 March

Party - Saturday 1 March
.

The word on the street is that mardi gras has decided to put trance into the hordern all night for the main party. Surely this is a mistake or a rumor that has gotten out of control. Last time they did trance all night was the 4 strings nightmare. Can Brad or anyone from NMG please clarify this rumour? Hordern is surely more suited to dark and dirty tribal or electro house not trance. Who is playing trance anymore apart from Ruby and co and some of the toybox DJ's? All will be forgiven though if NMG are yet to annouce an international trance DJ for the party as well? Tiesto? Paul Van Dyk? Armin Van Burren?

Whats going on?

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are just 80 Days to Mardi Gras !!

They had better NOT mess with the Hordern !

AS you say the dark/dirty/tribal music has always been a hit in the Hordern. Its always packed so why piss off
4,000-5,000 punters ?

the only time I saw the Hordern emptier was as you say
with 4 strings. Sure there were party goers who liked him but they were not enough to fill the Hordern.

Not saying dont have trance so dont get upset with me trance lovers but surely NMG could not be that dumb to discard 4,000 people's favourite for another style ?

The Hordern is THE venue in my humble opinion and when its dark/dirty/tribal/hard it cannot be beaten

DOUBLE YAY for trance if that rumour is true about it being in the Horden!

DOUBLE NO if it is Gary.

Get your own Hall

Well here is hoping NMG are doing:

1)Commercial House in RHI with DJ Hex Hector and local DJ's
2)Dark/dirty tribal in Dome with local/interstate DJ's
3)Retro in Forum with local DJ's
and wait for it....
4)Trance all night in Hordern with DJ Teisto (with a massive amount of lasers)

How good would that be?

See ya in the Hordern all night long.....

I've said it before

and I'll say it again

LEAVE the Hordern ALONE

go pick another hall.

NMG will be pissing of quite a few thousand Hordern lovers.

YAY YAY YAY

That would be a fabulous line-up!

How cool will that be if it's trance all night in my beloved Hordern and then trance all day @ Toybox.....I will be in trance heaven.

I'd be surprised if NMG changed over a Halls style the size of RHI or the Hordern.

While Toybox is extremely popular how many Trance fans would actually add in MG as well ? Sure there would be quite a few but would it be enough to fill either of these 2 large Halls ?

If NMG is planning on introducing Trance I would think/hope they would be looking at a more medium sized hall given the unknown factor of how many trance fans would turn up and that its already being caterered for at another Party and the amount of loyal MG party people who support NMG events and fill the RHI and Hordern for the styles that have been very popular since time began.

I think NMG could fill Hordern twice over with trance fans if they had a top trance dj from os playing.

And yes we would do both parties.......

The Mardi Gras Parade is one of the few things keeping our city as an international gay city. With the decline of Oxford St, we need the Parade and Festival to keep up our city's reputation as a great home to a large GLBT population. If the Parade were to go it would require something equally spectacular and significant to replace it. An upgraded Fair Day or Pride March would not be enough. We have to remember MG attracts gay people from all over the world to Sydney

toybox only get what 2500 people to their parties, ruby gets what 500 people. do nmg really think they could get thousands more. lets hope this is a mistake

Agree.

Why would NMG endanger numbers by switching already proven Halls - RHI with its commercial styles, Hordern with its harder/darker/tribal styles, Dome with its dirty grinding sexy whatever you call it

To change RHI you risk offending around say 6,000 and for Hordern around 4,000.
After all these 3 Halls have supported Mardi Gras and Sleaze for many years, are very popular, the dance floors always full so why risk it.

Gary and Trance Boy may do both parties but they would hardly fill RHI or Hordern or Dome - no offence guys.
Nor can they are NMG be sure how many they will get considering Toybox is on. Not everyone could afford or
want to go to 2 parties.
Toybox is a proven and has its followers. Mardi Gras would have to be careful if they wanted to offer some
competition ( and yes I know one is at night and the other a day party but they are only a few hours apart and not everyone can do 2 in a row ).

So Trance lovers would suggest you come up with other ideas than taking over an established Hall. I know some will say you must try new things and agree so it would need another space not risk losing party goers cause their style wont be playing.

Furthermore has anyone thought of the economic repercussions of NOT having a parade?

Ask any club along Oxford street which night of the year is the biggest trading night for them. It's the night of the parade!

What about the charities who earn 1000's of dollars from their reserved seating stands? Will NMG be compensating them for lost revenue?

Sat 8 Dec 2007 16:38:26


The above post is correct is saying that parade night is a goldmine for pubs, clubs and charities but is the parade financially viable for the mardi gras organisation.

The parade would cost well over $250 000.

If the Pubs, clubs and charities who make so much from the parade got behind mardi gras and supported it, imagine how much better it would be.

Imagine if the venues invested part of the money they make over mardi gras by entering amazing floats or decorating the streets. More people would be interested.

Imagine if the charities gave 10% of their income to mardi gras as a licensing fee for the right to raise funds.

I think then we would have a more sustainable event that everyone would benefit more from.

Ohhh please.........
Give the pubs and clubs a break.
If people supported them all year round like they do on mardi-gras night we'd have a much better scene.
Remember they support us 52 weeks a year.

If those numbers true then RHI and Hordern are not in trouble - phew !

I dont think NMG would risk the bigger Halls and really Toybox has now cornered that market.

I think I adressed the expense of the parade in the first part of my comment in regard to the hugely expensive entry fees charged to enter the parade.

Asking charities to give money to Mardi Gras kind of defeats the purpose of having the charities at the event trying to raise money.

Parade entry fees are (from the Parade entry guide on their website):

CATEGORY 1 – GLBTQ COMMUNITY
While there is no compulsory entry fee for this category, the Parade Working Group requests a voluntary contribution of $100 to help offset the significant costs of producing the Parade.
The Parade Working Group appreciates the costs that are involved in preparing an entry and understands that some individuals and groups may find it difficult to make a contribution. As such, the entry fee for this category is
not compulsory.
However, if you or your group are in a position to make a financial contribution, it would certainly be appreciated.
CATEGORY 2 – NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS
The entry fee for a non-profit organisation is $350 (inc GST).
CATEGORY 3 – GLBTQ BUSINESSES
The entry fee for a GLBTQ Business Entry is $1,500 (inc GST).

I think that these fees are reasonable. (I assume that community includes our community organisations.)

trance in the hordern is not a rumour

I originally suggest using Fair Day to showcase our community if the Parade goes and the more I think about it the more I like it.

Besides some of the crowd not being gay friendly etc the floats from all the various pubs/clubs/charities etc all get to whizz up Oxford St and its over and done with in a few hours.

Those same pubs/clubs/charities could have much better stalls/tents/displays at Fair Day and they would be dealing with a crowd that uses them - us Gays.

I dont care which way it goes, after a few Parades its all the same but have been enjoying each Fair Day now for about 8 years and I never went to the Parade 8 years in a row. Last time was about 3 years ago and I did not like some elements of the crowd whereas at Fair Day its all about US.

Yes, that may be true, however, is ONLY trance ALL night a rumour? I can imagine they'd throw SOME in to keep those trance fans happy, but all night?

Yes could be like Sleaze Ball and they play last 4 hours with trance and have tribal etc earlier leading into the trance set.

bravo bravo mardi gras....

In that case we need great DJ's and Kylie M

WE need Kylie. Because she need us. And what about new Mardi Gras?

I am happy to pay for the best show ever............

I concur with your suggested fee scale.

"The word on the street is that mardi gras has decided to put trance into the hordern all night for the main party. Surely this is a mistake or a rumor that has gotten out of control. Last time they did trance all night was the 4 strings nightmare."

You guys are distorting the truth! I am sorry but I was there when 4 Strings played his 10 hour set and the Hordern was packed all night. He was f'n brilliant and the Hordern has never been so packed... not even at Toybox New Years Day! Trance, trance, trance all night long in the Hordern... bring it on baby!

I love reading the comments saying things like "there has only been hard music in the Horden since time began" and "NMG would be pissing off thousands of people if they put trance in the Horden". It really sounds like these comments are coming from 1-2 disgruntled people? Firstly, isn't the Dome the traditional venue for the darker tribal styles? That seems to be pretty much the only genre I have heard played in the Dome on a regular basis, yet I have heard many different genres played in the Horden over the years, including trance! Secondly, hate to break it to you guys, but trance is a hugely popular genre (the majority of the dj mag top 10 have been trance djs for a number of years) and I know heaps of people who'd spend the entire night in the Horden if they had trance playing. Thirdly, Toybox caters to people who like their trance light, vocal and fluffy, which is not everyones cup of tea. Indeed, there are plenty of trance fans who don't go to every Toybox.

I personally hope that NMG are bringing out a well known international trance dj, given the price of the party. Having said all of that and despite the fact that I'm a huge trance fan, I wouldn't be upset if they started the night with a more laid-back genre such as progressive house/trance, leading into trance and some harder stuff, and then winding it down a bit in the last few hours.

Sorry you are distorting the truth !

I was there as well and people were walking on and off the floor all the time and at times big gaps of empty dance floor appeared around you. No one was settled as he wasnt bad, just boring.

I dont think for a second NMG would dump a Halls proven style to shove in another style especially as Toybox has Trance all sewn up.

Also I hope they dont make the last 4 hours into Trance either but realise cant always have it my way

"Let Trance get their own Hall.................. - Thu 13 Dec 2007 06:49:40"

And when and where do you plan on starting construction of this hall ?

Yeah Trance lovers , you want Trance that's fine but agree get your own Hall.

You're only upsetting us Hordern lovers.

If 50% of Toybox,Ruby,Arq attendees all decided to do
Mardi Gras as well you still wouldnt have enough to fill
RHI or Hordern.

Not everyone wants/can do 2 parties in a row.

Would think it would be too much of a gamble. Also didnt like the half/half of Sleaze in Hordern. One group happy half the night then not etc so not fussed on the idea either of swapping styles in any Hall half way through
the night.

What about a super lavish tent next to Forum taking up that whole area ? and completely laden with lasers and wooden dance floor of course and high ceiling of course to show of the lasers.

its like a broken record reading these walls at times.

I'm just waiting for someone to post "it's a slap in the face for all those loyal [insert tribal / trance / whaterver] lovers who have supported MG in the past"

anyway on to more important matters. It ridiculous that the women get their own space and the men don't get a space of their own. It's a slap in the face for all those men that have supported mardi gras in the past.

and i can't believe they have chosen an international DJ for the RHI. It's a slap in the face for our local home grown DJ's that work week in week out supporting our community.

They just don't understand our music scene.

And why do they let so many horrible straight people into MG. It's a slap in the face for all those gay and lesbian people who take the time to bitch and moan about mardi gras on these walls.

and i can't believe there aren't any pass outs and that the party is closing at 8am. If I buy a ticket I DEMAND the right to go in and out of the party as I choose ESPECIALLY if i want to nip out to the car park and pick up another vial of G. it's a slap in the face for all those casualty victims at st vinnies who spent so much on drugs for the MG season and are now not allowed to get off their faces.

is there like a secret list of topics that we have to bitch and moan about before MG?

You forgot to add in in

those who like to bitch about others legitimate complaints like you have just done.

Fine its of no interest to you but it is to others.

See post following your comment..................

Its an unknown , its a gamble and would upset others.

NMG would not want to upset RHI and Hordern goers.

Dome wouldnt allow good lasers and would upset that crowd.

Maybe Forum ? as high ceilings for lasers etc and then Retro can take over Fox and Lion upstairs and downstairs ? could have really old Retro upstairs and then more recent Retro downstairs ? just a thought so dont get upset with me Retro Boy

although a suped up tent next to Forum sounds the go as big area and just dont mean a plain old tent but really suped up version with high ceiling lots and lots of lasers , wooden dance floor. After all once inside you dont really look at the walls to know if canvas or brick do you ? its the atmosphere created by the music and lasers.

Tents are a thing of the past. The local residents in Centennial Park will not cop loud trance, house or tribal music all night long.

New Mardi Gras already have enough problems ensuring that noise does not leak out of the RHI and the surrounding areas. They have absolutely no hope of providing the necessary sounds levels within a temporary structure that will please a few thousand trance punters without pissing off the residents in Centennial Park.

2 out of the last 3 Mardi Gras have had trance all night in the Hordern (2005, 2006). What's so new about that?

You forgot the comments about men only / women only spaces. There should also be a flurry some time around what members are entitled to as well.

Mardi Gras has always played trance in the Hordern - it's the home for trance. All you tribal luvers go back to the Dome where you began!!!!!

legitimate complaint? don't make me laugh.

Other events manage to have tents in the same area with no problems, so why not Mardi Gras?

Blame John Howard.

Inquisition this year had 2 tents this year in that area so it does work , you dont know what you're talking about.

Hordern has always been the lead in the edgier music and sure Trance was there years ago , then it went a bit hardhouse, then it became a mix of hard trance/tribal for last few years.

Just get your own wall and stop stirring up posters about taking over one of the main Halls.

Dont you guys/gals know if you try to push something like this and to takeover an established Hall you will only get posters on here sticking up for what they like etc.

If you got on here and offered an alternative like the tent or whatever , then posters would let you have your argument on here.

Lets just cancel the party and spend the 1st of March bitching and moaning anonymously on chat boards.

Can someone please tell me which hall the shows are in? I want to make sure i dont miss any of them! And which hall is most likely to be the one filled with lasers? Thanks

actually it's kinda true, i live in Centennial Park and could hear the tent at Inquisition this year...

Not that ill be complaining about the tent noise.. ill be dancing in it!

bring on Mardi Gras!

so it seems like everyone has really strong views... and tastes.

as a dj, i applaud your passion,

and as an ex promoter, i want to kick you all up the butt for making people like me stop putting on parties, because you talk talk talk, and then never in the door do you walk (no i am not dr seuss! he is a straight dj LOL) to actually support the things you ask for so emphatically (some of you do, and ten points go to you!)

but seriously, would you rather be alone at a party in a big hall of lasers and trance (or contrarily retro and sequins, or in another direction, tribal and class A skank sweat?)

or... would you like to dance with your friends? perhaps even other people's friends? and they're relations? and a plethora of sexuality? perhaps understanding that we all like to be happy, that we all like to be free to enjoy what we enjoy? or is mardi gras just a party, and not a celebration of liberty?

well, you clearly understand what i am saying. share your soul, share your pleasures, share your body, share your music, and most of all, share your PARTY!!!

for all the viewpoints, i am most excited by the people who considered this. a room with progression... just like a CLUB!

start it off with a sound, build it, build it, build it. then cruise it out, sex it up and keep everyone smiling.

my love would be

RHI:
funky house, up to camp tribal and club anthems, lots of shows and end with plenty of classics, warm new club cuts and smiles

HORDERN:
start progressive/tech/tribal work up to harder/faster amongst the surrounding appropriate genres (hard house, techno, trance and so forth), end with sexy driving tunes, be they trance, progressive or other

DOME:
um, anything we can throb too. tribal, tech, prog, electro, house, minimal, and all the bits and pieces around

FOX n LION:
shows, cabaret, people's emerging bands, guest vocalists, drag stars... a cavalcade of fab (much like last year i think)

CITY LIVE
retro from a broad idea of what actually happened in music. starting more diverse, peaking with some more dated but delicious dance (from when that was the word we used to descibe most everything), and then end with twist and spin singalong hipshaker assorted classics

FORUM:
summer house and sydney's special sound with smooth, soul and sunglasses

are there any other spaces? oh yes

GIRL's SPACE
they love it, we love them. if you are a friend of the girls, you should be welcome. if you're not already known to these talented door gals such as miss Lee etc, then perhaps get out to a girl's club on a normal day and earn your stripes. they are welcoming once realising you have no desire to step on them music... bitch bitch bitch and all their friends

BOY's space:
well, why not? it can't be a sex space, so get over it guys. but if you want a small zone, just as the girls have, respect it and the rules, and it will be all good

Forget the spectacle. Make it a march for a couple of years and see Sydney City and the NSW Government leap to help us organise it as a spectacle again. They don't want to admit it, but they LOVE the cash-cow that it is.

I think you'll find that the Forum and City Live are the same venue.

City Live and Forum are the same aren't they ?

but sounds good.

Actually at INQ this year there were two tents.

There were police monitoring the sound levels at all times and they were kept within the required limits. I doubt they would have made as much noise as a football or cricket match.

Also to the above poster who listed the different areas available, I thought the Forum and City Live were the same venue? As someone who claims to be a DJ and former promoter, I thought you would have known that.

Asking charities to give money to Mardi Gras kind of defeats the purpose of having the charities at the event trying to raise money.


If NMG can't afford to sustain the parade, how are these charities going to raise money???? Surely they can make a contribution to ensure the parade happens.

And as for supporting the venues for 52 weeks of the year.....

When they spruce themselves up, stop charging outrageous drink prices and entry fees, I will happily support them.

Yes we all know that tents are used at various dance parties but they tend to be minor dance spaces in comparison to the other venues and the music volumes are generally lower than inside the main halls.

Considering all the problems that Mardi Gras have encountered with local residents in the past, I simply cannot see New Mardi Gras or any other promoter gaining approval for a large-scale outdoor dance space or tent that is capable of holding thousands of people as previously suggested on this wall.

As a long term resident of Centennial Park I can assure you that there are a number of residents within the area that have the noise pollution telephone number on speed dial!

And one final point, at no stage did I suggest what types of music should be played in the various venues, but if you must know…………

If its true about NMG planning on playing trance all night in the Hordern, it would appear they are gunna try a Toybox experience in the Hordern all night. And I say congrats on bringing something different to the party.

Tribal back in a dark hot sweaty Dome (where it came from) would be more suited, as the dome has not been full at the last few parties.

one would think he actually meant city live (now known as the forum) & the horden 'forecourt'

You may not have Laserboy but others did and thats what gets up peoples noses.
Someone rocking the boat with rumours.

Fine if you dont want a tent then there are no other areas for the Trance to be played unless you could convince Fox studios to give you sound stage 8 which
is the closest space to Dome but its not part of Playbill venues and doubt it.

Tent was a suggestion instead of takeover tactics of another Hall.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I always thought the RHI turned into Trance later in the night ? sounded like with all those vocals but I'm not an expert.

But the Hordern has and they wont all fit back in the Dome.

Maybe if Toybox was not on but it is and could be big mistake chucking out one style for another ?

agree why whould they put trance in the hordern when its on offer the next day at toybox and the die hard fans will go there. lets hope its not true and the hordern is tribal and darker styles. why would nmg change from what they did last year?

I say put RETRO ALL NIGHT in the Hordern !!!

YEAH !!!

YEAH !!!

YEAH !!!
YEAH !!!
YEAH !!!
YEAH !!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

Time for something different !!!

I want it all my way !!!!!!

Im right , you're wrong ...

It's time for RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!

Give it to me now , or i'll cry

"why whould they put trance in the hordern when its on offer the next day at toybox and the die hard fans will go there. lets hope its not true and the hordern is tribal and darker styles. why would nmg change from what they did last year?"

Your arguement is a bit like saying don't play house or tribal because Homesexual will be playing that. One of the reasons people are going to Toybox is because they can't get thier dose of tance anywhere else. I hope Mardi Gras change what they did in the Hordern last year because it was hopelessly dull in my opinion. Having Trance back at Sleaze with all that fire and lasers was just magical!
.

Hhmm... I kind of agree with a post a bit further up that Toy Box trance isn't everyone's cup of tea, so not everyone will be satisfied there. I am absolutely no expert in the slightest but if I could have house and electro and trance and a bit tribally in the one venue, ie, the Hordern, I'd so love it... so long as they were really good DJ's playing those styles of course.

apologies for lack of venue name knowledge - it has changed names 3 or more times, and the area i was meaning to say instead of Forum ("FORECOURT") didn't really have a name...

thanks for the person who used their brain ahead of the wish to be "right". i appreciate the help. and yes, a promoter and a dj can get a venue name wrong! wow, the same i feel LOL

You after a fight Retro Boy grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Always thought Forum would be good for Barn Dancing.

Now thats Retro.

I would like Dome to be packed tight with sweaty hot bodies all night please so I can have a fabulous time!!!!

"Hordern Protector"

what do you do?

wear your jockstrap on the outside of your chaps?

And lets see if we can get the forecourt for some ballroom dancing.

Anyone up for some Tangoette?

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

RETRO IN THE HORDERN !!!!!!!!!!!!

I demand it , I need it, I gotta have it.

If I dont i'll never go to a Mardi gras again and I'll jump up and down on the spot spit my dummy out and hold my breathe until I turn blue.

YOUVE BEEN WARNED.

i want a space where the VJ plays 5.1 sound like in tokyo at the best clubs. i don't only want sound around my head, i want it below, i want it above!

of course, all i want to hear are britney and whitney remixes, you know, extended radio versions. maybe danni's version of lime and coconut, just to add some underground in there.

but seriously, i dare a dj to play ELECTRIC DREAMS - orig version!

it's funny, but you know, I don't remember Retro Retro Retro being so amused when MG didn't have a retro space at MG a few years back.

Yeah Retro Boy is in for a surprise when the DJ's are
announced.

Shhhhhhhh dont tell him.

u suggesting there is no retro space at the party? now that would just be silly. forum=retro/camp/classics/disco. end of story

Forum = high ceilings for lasers = TRANCE

Retro = Fox & Lion

My picks are:
Hordern - Funky/Progressive/Electro house
RHI - Fluff and tickle hands in the air - Starting with 78 disco and going thru to 08. When the noise complaints come in you can deal with noise reduction, everyone knows the words so you can sing along anyway!
Forum - Retro then Trance - Retro till about 3am then then It could be like the toybox days of old in the metro with the terraced steps
Dome - Tribal
Fox & Lion - Everything else

Sounds like a one man band is pushing an electro / tribal agenda!

Face it... Boy George and Co tanked in the Hordern at Mardi Gras last year. The recent acclaimed Sleaze Ball has shown what we've always known... that TRANCE should reign supreme in the Hordern. Ahhh those lights, the lasers, the balls of fire and the glorious trance still brings a smile to my face!

Hordern - hard/tribal

RHI - commerical

Forum - for Retro Boy or Trance half way through

Dome - that dirty sexy grinding music they have

Fox and Lion start cabaret stuff finishes Retro

NMG could not risk putting Trance into one of the big Halls due to the competition that weekend. Even if 50% of those going to Toybox went to MG it would still not be enough to fill either of the 2 big spaces.

As for Sleaze the swap to trance ended up being boring sorry thats my opinion. And it was the only large hall which is why it was busy thats all. Everyone from my group said they only danced cause there was no other choice and it just became a monotonous beat for the remainder of the night.

Hordern when its having a mix of hard and tribal has different beats etc and just cannot be beaten.

all you people providing your "wish lists" regarding what sound should be in what hall are all fools.

What makes you think NMG are going to pay any attention to posts on this board at this stage of proceedings ?

NMG have already chosen all their DJ's and already planned the evenings footprint months ago.

The decision re what style of music is in what hall has already been made and will not be changed.

Your "wish lists" are pointless in my opinion

"NMG could not risk putting Trance into one of the big Halls due to the competition that weekend. Even if 50% of those going to Toybox went to MG it would still not be enough to fill either of the 2 big spaces"

Firstly, Toybox does not represent all those that enjoy trance so your arguement falls apart right there. I love trance but I am not into the cheesy variety that they serve up.

Mardi Gras should play trance in the Hordern all night long as it will bring the crowds back. All the big and successful parties had trance in the Hordern and the recent foray into electro / tribal has just killed the ticket numbers (look at last years figures on page 18 of the festival guide).

Tribal belongs in the dome as that's the perfect size to fit the people who like it in.

My only "wishlist" is that all DJ's be treated equally in the selection process.

Sadly it's the standard clandestine "friends only" policy again.

Ok, everyone start "wishing" for good, bad, dry, wet, humid, sultry, summer weather and we'll end up with a bit of everything
Of course MG have already locked in their genre's in each space, but what else is there to talk about at this early stage?
The topic will move to the individual DJ's once they are announced and whether they are suited (or not) to the halls they are playing in.
Rumours about George, Kylie, Danni, Madonna, Dianna, Celine, Whitney and Kelly performing; lasers, lighting, decorations & costumes will soon follow - and maybe even the parade will become a talking piece!

"Sadly it's the standard clandestine "friends only" policy again."

Well, I've been involved in one of the selection processes for a party run by Mardi Gras and although a lot of people on here were claiming that to be the case for that particular party, it didn't work like that at all. It's not worthwhile for MG to do that, it has to be about the music and obviously it's going to go on a majority rule of whoever is in the selection committee for that party. Unfortunately, you can't please all people all the time I suppose.

You dont get it do you ?

excluding last Sleaze , the Hordern and RHI both have a style that is popular and brings in the crowds. The majority of them !

Change one of those Halls just like your saying means you have upset around 6,000 in the RHI and around 4,000 in the Hordern.

I dont know the names of the styles but you get my drift when I say RHI is known for its commercial/handbag.
Hordern is known for its hard stuff and to me that has always included styles like hardhouse/hard nrg/hard
trance definately not that cheesy trance crap apologies to those trance lovers. Very few vocals as well.

I usually split my time between Hordern and Dome as those 2 styles suit me but tend to spend most time in Hordern as that venue is unrivalled !

If say the Hordern did change styles and there was suddenly no harder stuff then would consider not going and look for an alternative to MG.

So I doubt NMG would want to risk offending anyone from those 2 Halls as again , they are the majority who go year after year ( for me about 22 years now ).

If cheesy Trance lovers do want to canvas NMG for Trance then also come up with a space instead of pissing of others with a takeover.

I think the fact that Sleaze Ball was a massive success- and that NMG actually planned for TRANCE to be in the Hordern at the close of the party - proves how popular trance is (and how wrong you lot are who are saying it doesn't work in the Hordern).

House, electro and that other bull doesn't belong in the Hordern. It's a waste of a sound proofed venue and good sound.

"If cheesy Trance lovers do want to canvas NMG for Trance then also come up with a space instead of pissing of others with a takeover."

Um... no one ever said anything about cheesy trance! There's all different styles of trance including hard trance.

Personally I love hard trance and hard NRG. I can't stand what they did in the Hordern last year though which was more tribal and electro... its just so souless and lacks energy.

Agree

the Hordern and those harder styles just cannot be beaten by any other venue and when there is great lighting its
(almost) orasmic

Qoute from http://techno.org/electronic-music-guide/

"trance is the most emotional genre. It can make you cry, make you shout, make you cheer, and make you celebrate absolutely nothing of substance except pure, ecstatic bliss. This is interesting, when at one time it was very repetitive and hypnotic (hence its label 'trance') and was very easy to get lost in whilst divulging in aforementioned emotions. But now it's quite difficult to get entranced due mostly to the fact that the genre has devolved into such trite, derivative junk that even the biggest culprits of it are having trouble lying about how interesting it is. If you ignore the cliched, breakdown-build-anthem template side of the genre that is so canned and predictable you can set your watch to it, trance is still pretty fun. Unless you're trying to be a Sasha worshipping pretentious snob not partaking in that, in which case you don't even want to admit you're listening to trance anymore."

and another

"Technically all trance is tribal at a ritualistic level, it being the one musical genre that is simultaneously sacred and profane, blissed-out and dreadful, stupid fun and spiritually deep. Tribal Trance, ironically, seems like none of those things. But it is fun to dance to on a nude beach somewhere with a full moon overhead. I fully recommend it. It's too bad it doesn't get much playtime these days anymore. Not even at goa parties."

Enough said, leave Horde