Tonight we celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Roads have started closing. The barriers are in clumps along Oxford and Flinders Streets. People everywhere are gluing and screwing and primping and putting the last minute touches on their parade and party outfits.

At 7:45pm The Parade starts with 150 floats and 10,000 people filling the street with colour, music, dancing and pride. After the parade thousands will make their way to The Party.

There is an excitement in the air that has not been felt for many years. Everyone is looking forward to tonight (except those that missed out on tickets). Even the weather is perfect with not a cloud in the sky.

Tonight we are celebrating all the Gays and Lesbians and Bisexuals and Transgenders and Intersexes and Queers and supporters who have been part of this 30+ year journey towards equality. We are not there yet, but the new federal government has given us hopes we will to get to the next step soon.

Have a great Mardi Gras. I'll see you all under the mirror ball.

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

There was an article in the paper about Cindi Pastel. She will be performing tonight and has said this will be her last drag performance. I expect we'll see her in the 2.00am show.

Oh no, sorry to hear that! Obviously you're devestated and extremely concerned for your "close one" if you're sitting on your computer reading Pinkboard and making bitchy comments to someone who has something to smile about. Whoever you are, you're not going to bring me down - it's too beautiful outside today and it's going to be even more beautiful tonight. Sorry someone as seemingly hateful as yourself won't be able to join us in our celebrations. Perhaps if you were a little nicer, I'd have some sympathy for you.
I won't reply to you again.... well, not today anyway. I have better things to do, like, oh that's right, choose shoes for tonight.

You sure will Marchinggirl. Can't wait! Happy Mardi Gras! :D

STOP STOP STOP. I can't bare all this talk about shows...... I'm getting way too excited

I have to choose accessories for two outfits! One for parade and one for party! Help me JGirl! Maybe i should just take everything and keep changing all night!

Organisers of Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras say tonight's event will be the biggest ever. More More More (Source SMH)

GT, it certainly is a tough one! I like your idea though, I say the more the merrier!

You want to live, you remain secret admirer.

I dont go with him to his work except for the big
parties.

Less than 12 hours to go before I am floating amongst the lasers at Mardi Gras! I absolutely love this time of the year.

I hope everyone has a fabulous and safe weekend. I expect to see thousands of smiling faces at Mardi Gras and Toybox.

Happy Mardi Gras to all the pinkboard regulars and particularly to Countdownboy, Gary - Toybox Rules, JGirl, Happy Feet & Noisy Gypsy.

It is going to be an amazing weekend! Flight crew prepare for TAKEOFF!

If the disgruntled concession card holder is still reading pinkboard, check the classified section of pinkbord now.

Yaaawwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

just woke from my nanna nap.

Finish off the housework, get ready,cook light high carb dinner, get dressed.

Watch out Hordern/Dome I am on my way.

I havn't felt this excited in years.....

Well done Marcus, Anna, The board, the vollies, and most importantly all of you, for building the best buzz ever...

Happy Mardi Gras everyone. See you under the mirror ball.

Steph
xxx

Friend just came back from Fox Studios saying lots of tents everywhere but the biggest surprise to him was the wooden dance floor in the Hordern was small ? surely not ? with the massive numbers am hoping there are more platforms being delivered as I type.

is Hugh Jackman really doing a show in The Dome balcony in the first half of the night? I do hope he is coming as Wolverine!

Happy Mardi Gras to you too Laserboy, and to all our other gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. It is just the perfect day for the Parade & Party. See you all under the mirror ball, in the laser lights, in the RHI at 3.00am. It is going to be just fabulous.
Am so excited, can hardly wait...
Party Hard and Party Safe!
HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY MARDI GRAS!!!!

Oh my god, my feet are just itchin to start dancin in the Hordern and getting blasted with all those lasers all night long. Only seven hours to go now. I'm so excited don't know if I will be able to lay down and have my nanna nap.

Happy Mardi Gras Panther, Countdownboy, Laserboy, Gary - Toybox Rules, JGirl, Noisy Gypsy and all the rest of Pinkboarder gang.

Panther, Countdownboy and all the moderators thanks for your effort in the build up to today - much appreciated.

Have fun everyone and take care.

Well I am home from getting the last few little bits and pieces for my outfit, but I too share the dilemma of GT in having 2 outfits all set to go and cannot decide between them! They are both different 'looks' and am not sure which yet I feel like having....maybe after my Nanna nap all will be clearer.

Does anyone know whether we can check in to the cloak area a small bag or only jackets? I like having my sunnies and spare 'morning' top for afterwards but having used the cloak room in the past couple of years so was not sure what the current protocool was.
It is as others have said the perfect weather for our night of nights.

I wish everyone a fantastic evening at both the parade and party and am hoping to see smiles everywhere I look!

Happy Mardi Gras! x

which one? i'm told they'res dozens.

Everyone is shaking

It's all to much for some

Party time approaches.

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !


There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 7 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

OMG!!! Best rumour ever!!! The girlfriend and I did simultaneous sqeeeing at the thought of Wolverine on our Dome party spot!! Eeeee!! Hint: don't get between me and Hugh Jackman as I will be having a serious fangirl moment.

I had to pop out to Oxford St earlier because I didn't have enough accessories. The street was so busy. People everywhere. In the shops and carrying bags of shopping. In the bars and cafes. And on the street. Some people had their hair done. Some were already in costume, like the three angels who floated past. Then there was the guy in Monument's pool giving a show to all those watching on the corner. Passed a float with a big globe on it being assembled in one of the lane ways.

We have to leave shortly to join our float at the start area. Got the sandwiches and drinks packed. Comfy shoes.

Then home for a quick change before we head off to the party. I'm not wearing jeans or t-shirt. I am wearing lots of accessories.

Here's wishing everyone a Very Happy Mardi Gras. For all those that can't be with us, enjoy yourselves wherever you are. For those who are doing this, see you under the mirror ball.

"At 4am in the RHI Noisy Gyspy will fall into my arms and be mine , mine , all mine."

Yeah right... to the sounds of Xanadu.... camp!

Hugh's a guy Evil Twin.

Prepared to swap sides for the night are you.

Known him for about 15 years if you want an intro.

We wait

We are excited

We are busting for it

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 6 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

(chucks girlfriend off computer)T, there are allowable exceptions and Hugh is right up there! Consider me President of the Lesbians for Hugh Jackson Fanclub.

Usual spot in the Horden then, about 11.30?

Countdown boy - you're killing me! the excitement is too much!
Finished all preparations, donned the chucks and am just about ready to go to meet mates and start the big night.
Have a great, fun, safe, outrageous, brilliant time everyone!!
Bring it On!!!!!

High Anticipation

Positive Attitude

Fun for everyone - Bring It on.

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 5 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

Yep 11:30pm will be there Evil Twin and Girlf.

We will be there by 10:30pm to beat the crowds.

Busting..............................

can anyone please let me know, what time olivia and cyndi will be performing?????

I've had the best idea..... remember those platinum tickets a few years back.... well the priviledges recieved for that ticket should be the members priveledges...... we should have an elevatied dance floor in the RHI.... some room and height to see the shows.... not to mention a SHOWTIME SMS!

What about just for us founding members.....
Can't wait! Merry Mardi Gras ALL!

Six O'clock

Preparation Time.

It's not long now.

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 4 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

Can cloak back pack etc, no problems.
Happy Mardi Gras!

The sun is nearly set

Its getting dark

Party time draws close

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !


There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !


There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There are ONLY 3 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

I'm stuck at home unable to get to the parade. Does anyone know if there is a webcast on tonight? I've googled & googled & can't find anything.
Thanks x

There is ONLY 1 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There is ONLY 1 HOUR to Mardi Gras !

There is ONLY 1 HOUR to Mardi Gras !

There is ONLY 1 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There is ONLY 1 HOUR to Mardi Gras !

There is ONLY 1 HOUR to Mardi Gras !


There is ONLY 1 HOURS to Mardi Gras !

There is ONLY 1 HOUR to Mardi Gras !

There is ONLY 1 HOUR to Mardi Gras !

I've never been this excited about a party! LMAO!

Well I'm home from the parade. What an amazing experience! No-one noticed me until I put on my costume and then I've never had so many photos taken in my life. The crowd was fantastic! The walk took 45 mins but felt like 5 mins. Only disappointment is not getting to see all the other floats but I'm sure I'll see plenty of photos. Just having a glass of bubbles the off to the party.

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

The gates are OPEN - Its Mardi Gras Time !!!

So much for the 30th Anniversary focusing on a retrospective of the past, music wise.
I am in my 30's & have really enjoyed the popular "Retro" section in the Forum the last few years.
I was lead to believe that for the 30th, the whole RHI hall was going to be one huge "retro" space, called "DISCOtorium"... but it was more like TRANCEtorium. Very disappointing.
The Carlotta show (2am) didn't have the same feeling against such a lead in, and I was locked out of the Oliva concert at 4am- saw it on some chick's mobile afterwards... she just sang one song.. Xanadu. We (& MANY others) left after that- couldn't stand around in 2hr sections listening to mindless Techno in the hope of seeing another show.. maybe Kylie. If Oliva, Kylie etc soooo popular they had to lock the doors 1/2 hr b4 Olivia on, then why the DJ's not PLAY that type of music in their sets????
The Parade was FANTASTIC, the Party minus ANY proper Retro music was VERY BLAH & bland.
We won't be going again (& forking out a fortune) unless there is some variety and some proper retro music. Many people exited quick smart after the Olivia appearance.
Yes, there were some positives, such as the exciting variety of having live bands in the Forum, and the fun live shows in the tiny Fox & Lion (albeit the stage embarrasingly plonked right behind a very wide pilon!).

To all the volunteers and contractors who put together such a fantastic Mardi Gras festival, parade and party, a massive thankyou! Truely one of the best parades and parties in years.

I was in trance heaven at the party all night long and that laser show with laser man...unfrinkbelievable!!!!!!!

You guys rock and its amazing that all this came from the passion and energy of so many volunteers.

What a great party! Congrats to Marcus, Anna and everyone who made this years party so memorable. Fantastic themeing, unbelieveable shows, great music and just a great atmosphere to enjoy!

the oddest party ive ever attended. some elements were the best they ever have been and the crowd was great, friendly, courteous and dead sexy. however for me, as personal taste is subjective, the music was the worst of any dance party ive attended. now in saying this i actually went to the party not expecting to enjoy the music as there was only 1 dj i enjoy on the bill, sveta, so i wasnt expecting much. but what was dished up on the decks i thought was below par for a world class event. worst perpretrator being the RHI and their 'drop the level for some audience participation/mass kareoke during every chorus'. surely the cheapest and cheesiest dj trick ever. i have noted this practice is common and possibly popular in straight venues..
the horden looked fantastic, the scenic and lasers were hot, i just personally hate trance so was pretty to look at but best avoided for me.
the levels in the dome were far too quiet after svetas set which killed any oompfh mike kellys set had along with the other djs that followed. forecourt levels killed the sets there also, plus the sporadic rain.
didnt venture into the forum, again not my scene but am more than happy of its inclusion. so for me the music was well below expectations which were very low indeed. shows weren't bad but have seen much much better produced by mardi gras on previous years. gawd heaps of other good and not so good comments floating around a fuzzy mind so will leave it to that.
please note i DID enjoy the party immensely just less so than any other danceparty ive been to the queues were fun, very busy party but it never felt too oversold as per the 98 or 99 party. hope others that had more luck enjoyed their preferred sound. sum up: for me a dud but worthy noting for many many others they seemed to be having the nite of their lives..

Aaarrrgghhh damn it CB! I only just saw your post and had no idea to look out for you. Damn, I hope they'll be other coming out occasions for you.
How did everyone enjoy their night? Unfortunately I just didn't have it in me to stay right till the end for Cyndi's show as much as I wanted to. What was the verdict? Olyvia was wonderful but the place was so packed that I didn't get to see the actual show, was stuck watching screens.
I have to say I couldn't really settle into one area for too long, was quite aggitated and had to walk around a lot. I really enjoyed the music in the forum and found the upstairs area to be pretty comfortable. For the first time ever, spent very very little time in the Hordern, I think mainly because my friends were in the RHI for the most part. I'm actually wondering if I preferred Slease 07 to MG08... dunno, maybe give me a couple of days. Off to Toybox now. Hope everyone's recovering nicely.

I would have thought, with the hundreds of vollies (well, all 12 or so) it took to create that incredible party that you would have had the foresight to have organised better weather!
I've been going to parties for years and this is the worst organised weather I've ever seen. if only MG would REALLY get serious and professional and attend to ALL the details, then it would be amazing rather than just good.
I know some people may like it raining like that, and the few polar bears I saw were VERY happy, but not scrawny drug-wrecked trashy whingy ghetto dwelling me! I won't be helping MG make a great party as a volunteer next year (as per all other years) but I WILL complain endlessly about the stuff I could have helped get right if only I'd had the balls to get in and help!

totally agree. How could Mardi Gras get the weather soooo wrong. How very dare you!

What was that poster about that was in the toilets, with Markus in it? That was the funniest thing I have ever seen.

You can't throw the biggest party in gay Australia and have retro in the main hall, Mardi Gras needs to be about whats happening in gay dance parties now.

It would have been house or tribal you were listening to in RHI, not techno, and considering that Hex Hector has been one of the biggest and most talented names in gay dance music for over 10 years and Paul Goodyear has been one of the biggest influences on the local scene for ages too, i thought the DJ selection people did a good job.

To the party Scenic crew, well done! With very little help and TONS of effort you pulled off a stunner! Thanks! without you and all the others we 20,000 could never have had so much fun!

yeah that was funny - a pic of marcus pissing on the names of other parties.
my funniest party moment actually happened in the toilets: while standing at the urinal, some guy's big metal cock ring fell off into the trough with a clang. he shrugged, stopped down to pick it up, and then kinda by way of explanation, he just shrugged and said "i've done worse things".
loved the party. paul goodyear was on fire! loved the olivia show, and the cyndi show, especially when she hit herself in the face with cake. that was really sweet and wacky.

I agree with you! But instead of 'retro' I would substitute the word pop. Some of this can be retro but much of it is modern. For instance, DJs could have had modern-day Kylie music and stuff like that as well as fab retro pop - but nope, MG is too cool for that. Which is ridiculous considering how everyone wants Kylie to perform there, as well as other camp icons like Olivia and Cyndi!

After walking to the party, post parade through the zoo of Oxford St, we didn't have too long a wait in the members queue before meeting up with mates, kicking off.

So nice to see so many people make an effort with costumes and sexy hot outfits. Much eye candy goodness.

We started in the Dome for Sveta, then got restless and walked the other venues to check out the music and vibe. Thought this restlessness was just the party starting nerves, but unluckily it continued most of the evening. Like JGirl, couldn't settle, or find the "Best Spot".

Highlight for me was laserman in the Hordern. CRIKEY that was excellent stuff and the kind of surprises I expect of a big party. Hordern lights were rocking, and "yay lighting guy!" except you were too far up (and me too short) to yell it out. But Hordern music not my thing. soz. Chandellier in the RHI was spectacular.

Back to Dome for Jack Chang's set which was great. He worked hard, we danced hard, there was sweat. Thumbs up, baby. Mandy kicked off with beats which kept me on my feet, more sweat, and catch ups and hugs with friends happened, until we needed to head home.

Thanks vollies for a great event, thanks NMG for giving us a great party, and medical for my bandaid.

My friends and I really enjoyed the party last night! It was wonderful to see a return to lot's of smiley, happy people in the crowd. It was all very friendly and nice.

We spent most of the night in the RHI. We really loved the mirrorballs -especially the huge, chandelier style one made from wind chimes. It was beautiful. We found the music to be up and down -it was great having a quite a few tracks that we could all sing along to, but parts were patchy and very slow, and without lyrics for lengthy periods of time which we missed. You could visibly see the crowd lift and smile whenever a good vocal track was played. Would have loved to have heard a few more tracks with a bit more energy in them,and a bit of Kylie would have been lovely.

We sat in the bleachers in the Hordern for a short time to watch the lasers -which were awesome; was the dance floor in the Hordern smaller last night than usual, or were there just less people in the hall making it more visible? Had a few good wander's around and came across lot's of cheery, happy people on these which was nice.

We hadn't expected to stay through until 8am but we did, and watched Cindi's show (we didn't know her first track, but True Colours was fun to hear again). We enjoyed Olivia's show. For each of the show's it seemed as though the music was being played more loudly than the vocals of the performers which meant that we couldn't always hear what they were singing.

We collected our bags from the cloak room area looking forward to putting on clean and dry t shirts...but alas ours had been stored in the outside area and in the rain had been saturated; no dry clothes for us

Thank you so much to all of the volunteers, the performers, the many happy and friendly partygoers we met, and all involved in creating a wonderful atmosphere and a great 30th anniversary party!!

Time to head back to bed everyone. I hope that everyone enjoyed the parade and party, and any other festivities they may have (or still are) involved in.

Had a great night, the forum was fantastic, but every where else sounded the same. Feeling a little sad that it wasnt as good as i would have liked.ONJ sound was terrible, and poor Cyndi isnt much of a morning person a little squaky....

Hows ever great job Mardi Gras, see you all next year

A brilliant parade, a good party. Things I really liked:

1. that bead ball in the RHI was a work of ingenuity.
2. the RHI had some great music going on, and much in the spirit of the retro pavilion
3. the video displays in the RHI were pretty cool
4. the people

Things that made me go hmmm:

1. even with the excuse of the bad weather, the party is still way overcrowded, and has been for some years. People passing out from heat exhaustion is not a pretty sight
2. I still think that even if seating is expensive to erect, if it's well used by people, which it always is, it's a good investment
3. a little PR on the toilets when closing them off (to usher in the performer) would be good. Having police blocking off the doors can be a bit confronting. We thought someone had died.

Well I never realised what a gorgeous hunk Marcus is! He's a dreamboat. Were he silly enough to venture into the Dome at 5am he wouldn't emerge unscathed! I'd make sure of that. I thought the party was great. The crowd was friendly, smiling and helpful - with no aggro at all, even when I stood on people's toes. I enjoyed the fast, hi-energy, uplifting music in the RHI. The lights in the Hordern with the best ever but trance is not my style so we moved on and spent most of the night in the Dome which eventually returned to excellent form. Thank you all you handsome sex men! The first show was my favourite - low key, remembering past and present community. Well done NMG. Shame about the weather!

It was my 10th MG Party and what a way to celebrate it on the 30th Anniversary.
Had a fab night, sexy people everywhere and for once the music in the the 10 years and 40 something parties I have attended, the music in the Hordern was perfect (Trance) always knew Trance suited the Hordern although it is not every bodies taste of music the people I saw in the Hordern looked as though they enjoyed it or they would not have been in there dancing.

My only critisism is, the sound system lacked noise and clarity in some of the Djs sets, thought it might be because of the music they downloaded onto the cds they were playing was from illegal download sites where the sound quality is sometimes bad hence not sounding clear through the speakers.

Well done NMG, bring on Sleaze 08 and may it continue for many years to come.

Yeah, I am happy that I was in the RHI to see Oliva at 4am, although watched most of if on the big screen as couldnt really see the stage. At least I was inside and not locked out. Came out to find the rain. Unfortunately, also didnt stay and still dont know who performed to end the party. Was it Cyndi?

here's my view on the party....got there a bit before 12am and saw Shauna Jensen's show - it was like they were scrambling for dancers and took all the fitness first employees from the Kings X and Darlinghurst Fitness first gyms to be involved! Don't get me wrong, the dancing was good...but could have been a fitness first float. Then was eagerly waiting for Hex Hector's set - was ok...nothing special and didn't think he needed to be flown out from NYC to do his thing..would have liked it if the music was a bit more commercial. Was also disappointed that there was no retro music in the Forum, i always enjoyed listening to those "golden oldies"! Waited for Olivia's show from 3am in the RHI, but she didn't come on until 4! Hex's set just never seemed too uplifting in the RHI especially during the last hour...finally when Olivia performed, not sure if it was really worth the wait...she mimed the whole thing and then at the end, she wanted to say something to the crowd, but her mic wasn't even turned on! One song wasn't enough...how about also doing at least "let's get physical"??? So much for a headline act.

All in all a good night, but probably wasn't the best mardi gras party i have been too...bring back the retro dj's that you had for 2003-2005 era.

Hello from a San Franciscan currently vacationing in the desert south of Tucson, Arizona...

Waited a few hours until after the party was over and found these!
Pretty fun to watch, but also great to get the "live" impressions from people who were actually there here on pinkboard, too!

Enjoy!

Part 1 http://youtube.com/watch?v=rM2utjpTSHk

Part 2 http://youtube.com/watch?v=AcWd0Qz52yk

Part 3 http://youtube.com/watch?v=zskKZNYFhMo

Part 4 http://youtube.com/watch?v=A0zZeo2P9eI

OK the negatives first -

the dance floors ie wooden platforms were way too small, what were they thinking with record crowds ?

RHI and Hordern music sounded the same at times. The Hordern almost sounded like Techno at one stage like
200bpm. Moving between the 2 middle of night it just all sounded like some form of trance.

As I thought, with change of Hordern from Harder/Tribal made the Dome toooooooo packed. We like it busy but not that Sauna dangerous over heated feel.
And it was Dome's turn to have lines out the front counting how many went in.

--------------------------------------------------------
The positives -

was Laserman ! what a f**king awesome laser show.

Crowd was great.

Men only toilets in Hordern fantastic.

Bar person/Vollies/Security all lovely and friendly.

Lasers in Hordern, lighting in RHI awesome.
---------------------------------------------------------

What I would like for next party -

if big numbers then big dance floors please.

Return harder/tribal to Hordern of if Sleaze only 2/3 Halls then maybe Trance half the night in Hordern then turning to dark harder/tribal.

Return Retro.

I am not a Retro lover but as a hard/tribal lover and both of our crowds supported NMG over the last few years, felt totally let down. Trance I can put up with for a few hours at the beginning but as most when its half way through the night you like to get down to some dirty hard/tribal and the Hordern just sounded exactly the same all night with exception of odd almost techno sound.

And how I knew my friends were thinking the same is , everyone kept wondering from Dome to Hordern to RHI trying to find something to settle into and couldnt do it in the one Hall.

Agree Evil Twin and JGirl

spent a lot of time looking for friends as no-one could settle down in the one Hall.

Missed the Horderns usual style, Trance all night is not for me and one friend who came back in from RHI said it sounded the same as Hordern. Felt Dome lost its energy around 4-5am'is and so wondered into Hordern but was same monotonous beat going - no offence to trance lovers but prefer a hard hordern.

Agree on Laserman Evil Twin , he was amazing. More of him please but someone said he was from Canada ? not sure if visiting or living here but would like to see him again.

Wouldnt put the party in my top 10 but was still not a bad one either.

And agree with other poster re shrunken dance floors -
never again. Not sure if they want to make it look full ?
but dont care about that , people need space to move and being packed onto smaller floors like sardines you just cant get your dance moves going

Now back to reality and work tomorrow.

Sorry missed you Evil Twin and girlf. Next time.

Laserman? Toybox did that two years ago.

Glad to hear good reports of Mardi Gras. Well done NMG!

she was NOT miming!

the dome was amazing. missed sveta, but walked in as mike kelly was playing... wow! jack chang kept me grooving until mandy rollins tore the roof off! what were the other rooms like???

Miss Olivia did mind.. As the song ended, she said "happy mardi gras" and her mike was turned off. Who cares though. The show was great!!!!

I was at the front of the stage and yes she was miming! She forgot some of the words when walking down the stairs LOL! and tapping the mic at the end HELLO! But Still it was an awesome wicked show and Livy rocked... Been ages since the whole of the RHI was singing together!~

The party was great fun, but I must admit it didn't have the total WOW factor that I thought the 30th would. Sure there was a buzz and it was an excellent party, but there didn't seem to have the finishing touches to symbolise the 30th party!

Would have thought they could have let off confetti cannons, streamers etc at the finale and the 12.00 noon show.

I had a great time and all my group did also, but we did also move around alittle as the music didn't keep me stuck to any particular venue. Overall 8/10 great night with awesome GAYS and LESBIANS from all over the world, but lacked the WOW factor!

Great job anyway guys.....

BTW what was Cyndi Lauper on, my god she was like a toilet dolly on acid! I love Cyndi and she was great in her show, but it was like she was running around like a crazy women. Although she made me laugh and totally got the crowd rocking, it made her look some what trashy!!

Somebody suggested earlier that the music was louder than the vocals. I think that was a huge problem with Olivia.

Either her mic was turned off or not enough volume, but it was very faint most of the time and only came good for a minute before dying again.

Can somebody explain???

Other than that her show was quite surreal... It was THE ONJ performing at 4am to a crowd that went ballistic when she performed. And she looked 25, not 60. I'm sure she's never gotten that response from a crowd before

First off a huge thanks to MG and all the volunteers!!

Secondly, MG could save a lot of money by forgetting about importing DJs for the parties. Hex Hector was very disappointing and had no cohesion.....same as previous years with Boy George *yawn* Brett Henrichsen *snore* Freemasons *blag*. Local DJs know the crowd and play to please the punters and not themselves......5 genres in 15 minutes is just plain lazy Mr Hector. Bring back Dan Murphy to the RHI!

I had a great parade and party, after thinking earlier in the week I wouldn't be able to get in (a friend gave me her ticket at the last minute). A big thank you to the organizers and volunteers. This was the first time that I went from room to room instead of staying in RHI all night. The highlights of the night for me were Faker in the Forum -- they performed a great tight set -- and Cyndi at RHI -- she's as loopy and loveable as ever.

I'd love to see more live bands at future MGs, btw. But for now, it's thank you for the 30th anniversary MG.

At the end of Xanadu I swear the clapping and cheering lifted the roof off the RHI. I can't remember ever hearing such applause for any other performer at Mardi Gras.

Thanks to all involved for putting on our 30th birthday party.

Maybe I built it up too much, or expected too much, or just got too excited, but have to agree that the party did lack the wow factor. It did not feel like a 30th birthday celebration. Sleaze 2007 was the best Sleaze for years, so I was all geared up for a great night.

I was expecting that at various points throughout the night, given the RHI was the Discotorium, that we would get a bit of a retrospective of the last 30 years, along the lines of the songs that have been the fabulous shows that we all loved. A lot of friends who haven't gone to the party for a few years (now that we are all getting that bit older) went this year because it was the 30th. And it was great to see a lot of older faces back again, that I have danced with over the years. So for me the music in the RHI just didn't hit the mark. Hex Hector was very disappointing, and didn't seem to guage the mood of the crowd at all. Occasionally when he did play some uplifting vocals (Eg. Absolutely Not) the crowd and the mood really lifted, but then went flat again when he returned to playing what to me felt mostly more techno/tribal than uplifting house. At other times, the music really slowed down, and the crowd were standing around waiting for something more danceable. There are many DJs in Sydney who would have played better music for the RHI crowd. Paul Goodyear was better, but not nearly as good as he usually is.

Lights in the Hordern were great, but why is that we no longer have any lasers in the RHI? A laser on each of the mirror balls would have made a huge difference. This is the third time in a row that the RHI has been laserless. But I did appreciate the person who brought their own little laser - even that little one bouncing off the mirror ball made a difference.

Dance floors in both the Hordern and the RHI seemed way to small, and the RHI was therefore too packed and hot for most of the night. Sound in the RHI was OK on the dance floor, but once you were off the floor or in the bleachers, you couldn't really hear what was playing. Watched Olivia from the bleachers, and not sure I would have known it was Xanadu if I hadn't known it was going to be Xanadu.

Thought Cyndi was great - loved that frock! I thought she rocked at 8 o'clock in the morning, for someone 50+ who had done already done a show on Saturday night.

Great crowd, with lots of smiling happy faces. Was surprised to find it raining in the middle of the night, after such a perfect day and evening. Guess Fred didn't pray hard enough again....

I too would like to have our great local DJ's headline our parties. As a US friend said to me at the party re Hex and his unmixing, "Anyone can get up there and change records!"
Has anyone spotted online vids of Cyndi's show? The set was amazing.
Great party atmosphere, hot, fun and friendly crowd.

Hello fellow pinkboarders. Here's my mardi gras weekend:

Parade in the BGF stand - awesome! Great fun and the entertainment! Linda Hansen singing at the Glamour Bar end was just great. What a voice! Where has she been hiding?? And the parade was heaps of fun this year!!

Party - same as many comments already - didn't get the music at all. Until we wandered up to the Forum and Seymour and Paul Mac were just great! Finally we were happy! Then Faker - all good. Ran off to see Livvie. Maybe a mistake - but she did a good job! Then we just couldn't settle again.

The sound in the RHI was awful - ugh. The music leading up to Cindy's show was really tedious. That's my personal view and I don't mean to criticise other's taste in music - each to their own but that last 40 minutes waiting for Cindy was torture. I was getting a bit tired though, so anyway..

Speaking of Cindy - we went out to the Cherrie party at Slide last night - and frankly the music there was so good - more than a few of us were lamenting the lack of that style at the party! I think it's Bel West as DJ? Then Sandi?? Really great stuff - danced all night!!! I think it was Beth Yen to start with some gorgeous house music.

Back to Cindy - who strolls in for a quiet boogie at 1am??? How exciting for us all!!! Tho she was harrassed a bit much by folk - she just wanted to have a boogie!!

So all in all - a great weekend - met lots of lovely people - hi to the Brisbane boys dancing with us at the forum!

I heart local DJs too. They rock!

But Please Mardi Gras, can you continue to bring international DJs to our parties? Its great to hear different music.

I do agree with the previous post about Brett Henrichsen and Hex Hector. However I think if we stop importing US circuit party DJs and Producers and target greats such as Lee Burridge, DJ T, Damien Lazarus, and Jimmy Van M.

All great DJs who don't charge the world for their performance fee. And surely now that NMG has an association with Fuzzy deals can be brokered about jointly touring DJs to share the cost????

Just a thought.

I would agree with many of you regarding the party.

Shows (that I saw anyway)
Shauna Jensen was just an absolute legendary show; it was great to see such a large amount of volunteer community members. The microphone worked and it was awesome...

Laserman is from Sydney, Australia. It would seem that his popularity is surging amongst the dance party scene from recent performances at Toybox and now Mardi Gras. It was interesting to watch although probably not something I want to see at a party.

Carlotta and David Campbell, my god now this show was impressive. I wasn’t really paying that much attention to the singers more just how many Drag Queens were in that show!!! I am told by reliable sources that they all made their outfits and Ashley Swift, you brought wings to my party. They are all local megastars from the last 30 years and it brought back a lot of memories from the Albury, Taxi Club and Imperial for me. Congratulations Penny and to all the cast, that’s the stuff parties are about...

FAKER you guys are true young Aussie rockers and I wish you well in all future endeavours.

Olivia well that would have been great if she had sung and I was at the front and could hear her live singing which sounded nothing like the backing track that was coming out of the speakers. In fact to Olivia’s credit this is more likely to be an error from the sound and lighting crew.

Well done Cyndi Lauper, you rocked my world! What an absolute star you are and an incredibly humble one as well. Indeed there could not have been a better ending to the 30th Anniversary of our Mardi Gras!

DJ’s (that I heard anyhow)

Hits – Murray Hood, Peter Newton, Mike Kelly, Mandy Rollins, The boys from Stereogamous all the way!!!

Misses-

Sveta (purely because of her bitching about straight women being at the party)
Hex Hector (dunno where u were but it was not in the RHI)
Paul Goodyear ( Copied Music and still doing the walrus thing)

Creative (u get it now)

Well done team, a keep it simple approach worked well. The items of particular interest such as String art in RHI - fabulous, those little silver twirls forming a big sphere - bloody fantastic, Video Wall on RHI stage - ingenious. Congratulations also on the Member bar next to Forum, punters were partying there until the end!

Sound and Lighting

Sound totally sucked in RHI, lighting was interesting though. Lasers and combination of lights in Hordern was great, sound also rocked in there. Sound in Forum and Dome were ok I thought.

Overall this was a good party in some aspects however the
finer details such as DJ selection, DJ venue allocation need attention. This is the 2nd party I’ve been to recently with the same glaringly obvious mistake having been made. I wander why this is so???

Congratulations New Mardi Gras on your efforts!!! Thank you to all the Volunteers that made this possible (including those on the DJ selection committee, hope I haven’t been too harsh). The amount of punters that were there brought back memories of sold out scenes from the 90’s for me. There were so many hot men everywhere and that really made the party for me. WOW WOW WOW!!!

P.S. To the well known website journalist that bugged volunteers about getting a Member’s area wristband I hope it was worth it!!!

How was Agnelli & Nelson?

First Mardi Gras in 2 years and had an awesome time. Thought the Hordern was the best venue for space and consistency in music. I normally like Hex Hector and have many of his remixes but he was all over the shop. I also thought the RHI was too busy and was unhappy with the reduction in dance floor in both venues. To finish positively, great crowd, very friendly and polite....I never felt like I was being pushed out of the way, people always moved past me in a courteous manner. Also, loved DJ Josh, have enjoyed her sets a number of times and would love to have had more of her...more of DJ Josh in future dance parties please! All in all a job well done.

M.

P.S. Why was chewing gum banned from the party?

http://photos.samesame.com.au/nsw/Mardi_Gras_Parade__1_03_08/
http://photos.samesame.com.au/nsw/Mardi_Gras_Party__Entertainment_Quarter__1_03_08/
http://photos.samesame.com.au/nsw/New_Mardi_Gras_Parade_2008/
http://photos.samesame.com.au/nsw/NMG_Party_2008/

Well my brain is slowly starting to get back to work after a weekend of fabulousness. Thanks to everyone involved in making Parade and party such a huge success.

The Mirror ball chandalier in the RHI was awesome, as was the show by Laserman.

Great lighting, great look, lots of variety and fabulous happy smiling people.

Can't wait for Sleaze!

I didn't see any of the professional photographers at the party so I am going to have to post my own photo

Photos by Owen Hanson:

Is that Johnny Depp? Ah no its panther!!! Gorgeous.....

A change is as good as a holiday, are there any other options for a venue besides Fox Studios? Carriageworks just of King St would be a stunning place to hold Sleaze/MG. Imperial as the official after party when she finally reopens

Thanks Sydney!
Mardi Gras was amazing. So friendly - really a celebration. The Forum blew my mind. Such great queer bands - and wonderful dj sets... Rufus Wainwright and Freddy Mercury! Wow!
Heres to many more years of celebration

More links:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5goM3oF37rnPcnJ2GdX7BeE1YmSrAD8V4MAQ81
http://www.smh.com.au/news/stay-in-touch/mardi-gras-goes-wild-for-xanadu/2008/03/02/1204402269543.html
http://news.smh.com.au/organisers-happy-with-30th-mardi-gras/20080302-1wab.html
http://news.theage.com.au/drunk-teens-spoil-the-mardi-gras-party/20080302-1w6y.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/02/2177346.htm?section=entertainment
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/and-its-on-with-the-cho/2008/03/01/1204227060170.html

After 30 years of being in the business of putting on these events one would think Mardi Gras would have done a better job production wise. First build a stage high enough so that you can see what's happening on stage from a crowded dancefloor. I had to keep looking at the moniters. Second Sound quality during the live performances was appalling if you could actually hear the performers sing the volume was so low. They are my major gripes but Hex Hector was disappointing and Cyndi Lauper get her off stage.... don't bother she perfomed most of ther show off stage anyway to the front row. On the other hand Paul Goodyear was amazing. Crowd seriously cute and friendly. Had a great Mardi Gras one of the best despite the production problems. Never missed on. Will never miss one but MG please get the basic production fundamentals right. There's no excuse for these errors.

A record number of gays and lesbians and their families and friends celebrated the 30th Sydney Mardi Gras on Saturday night.

About 10,000 revellers and a further 400,000 rainbow flag-waving onlookers answered the critics and doomsayers who, in the lead-up to the parade, claimed Mardi Gras had lost its way. more

she wasn't miming, the soundmix person turned her mic off as soon as the song was over to talk over her and announce the next DJ - disappointed not to have been able to hear what she said - she was desperately waving at the audio guys to turn it back on!

I have to agree with some of the earlier comments. Overall the party was good but it lacked the WOW factor. Perhaps my expectations were too high for the 30th anniversary?

I enjoyed the lasers in the Hordern. Laserman was awesome and the neon decorations looked great as the lasers flickered across them.

I was disappointed with the midnight show in the RHI. Shauna was great but the production looked cheap.

I enjoyed the 2am drag show but it did not have the same WOW factor compared to the previous versions that were performed 10 and 20 years ago. It was great to see Cindy Pastel on stage for the last time. They don’t make drag queens like Cindy & Miss 3D any more. We just keep pumping out the Britney & Christina clones. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that drag seems to be in decline at the moment. And will someone please tell Maxi Shield that you should never, never wear the same dress twice. I’m having a 2004 DIVA Awards flashback with that swan dress. Honey, please return it to the zoo! Also did anyone else notice how much eyeliner/makeup David Campbell was wearing? My eyes were doing strange things during that show as I thought he looked like Bert Newton.

The ONJ show was great but the best show of the night was Cyndi Lauper. The costumes were fabulous and Cyndi went off! I had a great view of all the shows, but my vertically challenged friend had to watch all of them on the big screen. Was the stage lower this year?

The mirror balls and the revolving chandelier in the RHI were great but they would have looked so much better if NMG had installed a few lasers to bounce off them. The RHI is a huge space and you need huge lighting rigs and a few lasers to fill the space and to create atmosphere. One friend from overseas said that the RHI looked a like a school prom! At $150 a ticket I expected to see a few high-powered lasers in the RHI, just like the great parties from the past.

It will be interesting to see how much profit NMG makes this year, particularly after they increased the capacity by 1,500.

Overall there was a good vibe to the party but it did not live up to the hype.

PS: I am looking forward to seeing Kylie at the 60th anniversary party in 2038 when she will be trying to flog her 107th greatest hits collection.

Party was great I don't expect perfection like other peoples comments on the pink board hence I had a good time.

Alright, I admit it, I was on the inside the whole time.

Not that it helped me get into the Olivia show, which made me sad, bt we learnt our lesson and were in hours before Cyndi was on. I tell you what 7:30am and waiting for Cyndi in the RHI with that not too great music was like hell for me and my buddies.

But when she came on, it was like... well it was like what I had felt like about 40 minutes after getting to party. The cake fight was amazing and for 8 in the mornign the day after she had a show, she made the morning worthwhile.

But before that, my Mardi gras day started at 8am, and every second was worth it. The Media Briefing was moving and piognant, and seeing p[eople speak there really hit home what Mardi Gras is all about. Seeing Craig and Shane interviewed really made me see what we are fighting for, and made me proud to have been involved for so many weeks to bring it all together.

Foreplay was amazing, if understated, was great to see how many people were waiting at 5:30 and great to see them entertained and hydrated by some of the most charismatic and energetic performers I have ever had the pelasure of wokring with.

Parade itself was mindblowing. The Dykes raised cheers like I have never heard before, surprising the crowds who were expecting a traditional entry.

The 78ers made me proud once again, I spent some of the Parade walking from End to Start, and had the plasure of meeting the 78ers on the way, and shook many hands and gave many thankyous.

Cho (who I adore) was a fitting choice, and Parade organisers made a wise choice with her.

Once again craig and Shane were so improtant, and it has been great to see the coverage they have been getting.

The parade from then on in was AMAZING, if not a little long, but there is a lot to fit into a short time. And it was all nealry perfectly on time (to everyone in Start area, congrats).

As for my first party, well, what can I say, I have nothing to compare it to, but the thing that blew me away more than anything else was everyones attitudes. The party was filled with smiles and conversations with strangers, unde the most amazing lighting and visuals I've seen in a while in the Hordern.

Carlotta and David and 40 Drag Queens was... well, it was big, and bigger is better. It was great to see members of Working Groups and Board runnign around and dancing with everyone who they have been working for for many weeks now.

To everyone who brought positive energy to this party and parade. See you next year.

NQAI

I had a great time all round.
Unlike the younger folk who are never happy or pleased. And pick at anything that doesn't match their idea of PERFECTION!
It was great to experience the vibe, music, crowds etc.
I was very pleased to see the toilet situation adequately provided.
A big thankyou to NMG, volunteers and supporters who attended.
If I was to poke a stick at anything it would be at the younger generation many of whom seem unable to enjoy themselves unless they are drug F#*ked, sleazy and devoid of all sensibility.

Thankyou NMG!!!

Well the trance people screamed for trance and so the usual styles in the halls was shuffled around.

Now after reading peoples posts I dont think it worked.
Dont scream trance people am not knocking your beloved trance but most music types could fill the Hordern.

Call me old fashioned but in the past when you went to a party you always knew what style was being played in a hall and generally was well excepted ( some DJ's not so great ) but it was

RHI - Commercial/Handbag
Hordern - Hard/tribal
Dome - Dirty Sexy Tribal/House
Forum - Retro

could start Hordern with some trance or finish RHI off
with trance as I think lasers in RHI as well would look awesome.

Anyway thats why I think a lot of people ( those that attend parties regularly ) found themselves wondering and not being able to settle in.

Dont get me wrong still had a great time, always do with my friends.

RHI & Horden

Laserman, Kitty Glitter, Jack Chang, Mandy Rollins

Sorry but that poster is offensive and disrespectful to a large volume of hardworking people.

Shame NMG shame

LOve the pic Panther! Hope you enjoyed a wonderful night!

It's worth repeating just how great the crowd was. I've never seen so many helpful, aimable, smiling people - young and old - despite the cold, wet weather! There was a real community feeling. The straight people blended in perfectly. No "us and them" feeling at all. Some of us enjoy being "real up close" so no complaints from me about the smaller dance areas. And the Dome was warm but not dangerously hot or overcrowded. It was perfect for me and lots of other people too! The security people were great too - completely unobtrusive, just there to make sure that we were safe.

Sorry Marcus but you and who ever is responsible for that poster being printed and then posted in the toilets shows disrespect and a poor attempt at being funny. It is a shame to see this sort of politics from an organisation that should direct its politics towards governments on matters of substance.

I just looked at panther's display of old Mardi Gras posters.

Why was the March changed from it's original date in June?

no wonder I didn't spot you - I never would have recognised you!

soo many pirates - what was the theme of your float?

who ever came up with the concept for that sphere in the middle of the RHI is a f'kin genius

sorry nmg but the music was boring. not made any better by the poor sound quality. maybe if the nmg board spent more time doing their job rather than running around being celebrities and posing for photos for tacky toilet posters they might have noticed. the party wasn't for your farewell marcus it was for the 20,000 people who overpaid for tickets. still had a good time though, just not as good as it could have been. truth is i've had better nights in the clubs. for the 30th i was hopeing for something really fantastic and so were my friends.

Can somebody please fill me in on what this hoo-har is about a poster in the toilet involving Marcus Borget, I have no idea what's being spoken about.

Please tell me what it was all about

Thanks

I think it had something to do with it being winter ? correct me nicely if I'm wrong. So they moved it to warmer months for the Parade/Party etc.

What's with the poster dummy spit. I didnt find overly fun