Mardi Gras To Be The Best Ever

This story from SMH also check out some of the floats to watch for. Mardi Gras to outstrip all others Organisers of Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras say tonight's event will be the biggest ever, with 10,000 people taking part in the parade. Crowds of up to 300,000 people are expected to line the central city route to watch the procession of themed floats, drag queens and many more costumed and flesh-revealing revellers. Up to 80 military personnel and defence force employees are expected to march for the first time as the internationally renowned gay pride event marks its 30th anniversary. The head of New Mardi Gras, Marcus Bourget, said the event had achieved a great deal since the first parade in 1978. "Mardi Gras has had its fair share of ups and downs so to achieve the 30th anniversary is a huge milestone for us," Mr Bourget told ABC Radio. But it retained much of its original political message, he said. "Mardi Gras is all about the festival and it's all about telling Australia our stories, our lives, and showing Australia that our love is not a second-class love and shouldn't be treated as such," he said. "So it's all about compassion, understanding and acceptance, so I think they're universal values. City Rail and Sydney buses have added extra services to and from the city throughout the night. Road closures and special event clearways will be in place in the Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst, Moore Park, Surry Hills, and Centennial Park from 11am to the early hours of Sunday morning.