TV Blackbox
ABC is going big, bold, and glitter-soaked for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, delivering a live national broadcast celebrating pride, protest, and performance on Saturday, February 28 via ABC TV and ABC iview.
Led by drag icon Courtney Act and ABCQueer’s Mon Schafter, now firmly established as the faces of the ABC’s Mardi Gras coverage, the broadcast promises to put queer voices front and centre.
They will be joined by journalist Jeremy Fernandez and comedian Nath Valvo, who will add bite and banter across the night.
The ABC will also bring the parade to life from the heart of the crowd with appearances from proud Noongar-Yamatji woman and LGBTQIA+ media personality Brooke Blurton, award-winning celebrity chef Anna Polyviou, and newly out former AFL player Mitch Brown, marking his first Mardi Gras as an openly bisexual member of the community.
Inspired by this year’s theme, ECSTATICA – a call to turn joy into collective power – the parade promises a high-energy explosion of colour, movement, and emotion.
More than 12,000 participants and approximately 200 floats will transform the city into a moving celebration of inclusion.
Organisers describe the theme as “euphoria as resistance”, with floats designed to channel joy as strength.
The parade returns to its heritage route, flowing from Whitlam Square down Oxford St and Flinders St before finishing at Anzac Parade.
True to tradition, the march will be led by the Dykes on Bikes, followed by First Nations floats and the 78ers, honouring the movement’s origins.
Coverage begins at 7.30pm, with pre-parade entertainment from 6.45pm, and is expected to run until approximately 10.30pm. Highlights will also be shared across ABC Socials, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Adding to the night’s soundtrack, Latifa Tee will host triple j’s Mardi Gras party, delivering a mix of queer anthems to accompany the parade atmosphere nationwide.
“Mardi Gras is a celebration of community – its joy, power and resilience,” Schafter said.
“It’s my favourite night of the year, and I can’t wait to get covered in glitter and be loud and proud.
ABC Head of Arts, Music and Events Kath Earle added: “Through our live coverage on ABC TV and ABC iview, Australians across the country can come together to experience the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of our LGBTQIA+ community.
“We are proud to support the queer community and are committed to sharing their stories and voices across all our platforms.”
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, February 28, 7.30pm ABC TV and ABC iview
