Mardi Gras 2025 Calendar: An Exclusive Interview
The Mardi Gras 2025 calendar has been announced today, seeing the return of Fair Day, and Honey Dijon & DJ Romy to headline the Mardi Gras Party. We had the chance to sit down with Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith, to talk about the upcoming season and what was announced today.
The 2025 Festival theme ‘Free to Be’ is centred around the idea that although we have come a long way, there are still battles to fight for the LBTQIA+ community.
Can you speak to the challenges and issues our community still faces?
Absolutely. The 2025 theme, Free to Be, acknowledges that while we’ve made significant progress, there are still many hurdles for the LGBTQIA+ community. Discrimination, especially against our trans and gender-diverse siblings, remains a major issue, with harmful rhetoric and policies still surfacing in public and political discourse.
Mental health disparities also impact our community disproportionately, as do challenges in securing healthcare, especially for young people and those in regional areas. Globally, we’re seeing some hard-fought rights threatened or even rolled back, which reminds us that our collective freedom isn’t truly won until every person, no matter where they are, can live openly and safely.
This year’s theme is a rallying call to celebrate our achievements while staying committed to the road ahead. We’re free to be ourselves, but we’re also free to fight for those who need it.
And on the flip side: NSW has seen some huge strides in protections for the LGBTQIA+ community this year.
Can you speak to these recent victories, such as the passing of the Equality Bill, and the establishment of an LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council?
This year has been incredibly encouraging, with the passing of the Equality Bill and the establishment of the NSW Government LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council. These milestones represent a step forward in ensuring legal protections and visibility for our community.
Acknowledging that some aspects of it had to be wound back in order for it to pass, the Equality Bill provides much-needed safeguards against discrimination, and the Advisory Council is a significant victory for having direct input into decisions affecting us.
These advancements set a powerful precedent and help us continue building a society where our rights are respected and reinforced. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we’re visible, vocal, and supported by our allies.
Today’s announcement includes the return of staple events of the festival, but also the beginning of a few new ones (Blak & Deadly, Mardi Gras+ Qtopia, Fair Day Trans Camp & Karaoke Cave).
Can you talk to me about what those events are all about?
We’re thrilled to bring back beloved festival staples while also expanding with new and impactful experiences. Blak & Deadly at the City Recital Hall is a celebration of First Nations LGBTQIA+ voices and talents, curated entirely by and for First Nations communities. It’s a space for Blak and Queer identities to be seen and celebrated, and we’re honoured to continue its legacy from WorldPride.
Mardi Gras + Qtopia is another exciting addition, partnering with Qtopia Sydney, the world’s largest centre for queer history and culture. This collaboration will host exhibitions and performances that explore and celebrate our queer past, present, and future.
At Fair Day, we’re introducing Trans Camp, a dedicated space for transgender and gender-diverse communities to connect, share resources, and build visibility. And for a bit of fun, the new Karaoke Cave will give Fair Day attendees a chance to sing their hearts out. These additions reflect our commitment to providing inclusive safe spaces where everyone in our community can feel at home.
It’s no secret that Aussie festivals have been struggling post-COVID. However, Mardi Gras has managed to maintain the fabulous energy and magic that we all love through all of this.
Why do you think that is, when we’ve seen so many other festivals go under recently?
Sydney Mardi Gras has always been about resilience and community strength, and that’s helped us through difficult times. Our community’s support and unwavering passion are what keep this festival thriving.
We have an incredible team, countless volunteers, and strong partnerships that allow us to navigate challenges in ways that others might not be able to.
Our connections to community make every event meaningful and unique, and we’re constantly evolving to meet new needs and stay true to our values.
The festival’s legacy is rooted in protest, celebration, and a commitment to inclusivity, which creates a level of engagement that’s hard to match.
It was hard going there for a while in 2024 and real questions were being asked about what the 2025 might look like, but we’re immensely proud that we’ve been able to keep that magic alive and stay connected, even through the most challenging times.
Fair Day had to take a break last year- but today’s announcement makes it clear that it won’t be going anywhere in the Mardi Gras 2025 calendar.
Can you talk to the importance of the event to the Sydney LGBTQIA+ community?
Fair Day is more than just an event; it’s a beloved gathering for our community and one of the most inclusive days on our calendar.
After a year’s hiatus, it’s wonderful to see Fair Day return to Victoria Park in 2025. It’s a day where LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, friends, and allies come together to celebrate, connect, and share in our diverse culture.
From community stalls and performances to the iconic Doggywood and the new additions of Trans Camp and Karaoke Cave, Fair Day offers something for everyone. It’s a truly special event because it brings together all ages and backgrounds in a welcoming, joyous space, reminding us that everyone has a place in our community.
It’s always been a cornerstone of Mardi Gras, and I’m thrilled to see it back this year.
The Mardi Gras 2025 Calendar Includes:
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
- Mardi Gras Party
- Honey Dijon & DJ Romy headlining
- Fair Day
- Laneway
- The Sissy Ball
- The Kaftana Pool Party
- Paradiso Pool Party
- Hot Trans Summer
- Laugh out Proud
- Ultra Violet
- First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome
New Events
- Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert
- Mardi Gras + Qtopia
- Fair Day debuts Trans Camp Camp and Karaoke Cave
