More than 170 floats and 10,000 marchers took part in the 48th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in Sydney, making it one of the largest in the event's history. The parade, which kicked off with Dykes on Bikes, travelled along Oxford Street from Darlinghurst to Anzac Parade at Moore Park.
Despite heavy rainfall earlier in the week, the weather held off until the end of the parade, allowing crowds to enjoy the colourful display. The festival also included weeks of community events, parties and performances.
Several politicians participated in the parade, including Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and independent MP Alex Greenwich, who rode in a blue convertible. New South Wales Education Minister Prue Car was also spotted among the marchers.
Extra security was deployed for the event, with NSW Police maintaining a highly visible presence to ensure the safety of thousands of attendees. Following Sydney WorldPride in 2023, the annual Mardi Gras festival has continued to grow in scale, with businesses and venues granted extended operating hours for the evening.
