Mardi Gras underway in Sydney

The traditional dykes on bikes began the parade up Oxford Street to the cheers of around 300,000 spectators. They were followed by members of the original 1978 march before gay and lesbian life savers began dancing up the parade route alongside a fire truck, a small yacht and several moving dance floors. Among the 150 floats are a number of political groups, including same sex equality activists and political party. But for many people here the extravagant costumes and an array of loud brightly coloured floats are all part of a very large party. An international contingent of revellers is also joining the parade with people coming as far as the United States and Europe to be in Sydney. Organisers say this year's parade is the biggest in Mardi Gras' history and is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made and the challenges still ahead. [source]