Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: Big changes announced for iconic LGBTQIA+ festival
Organizers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have announced next year’s festivities will be scaled back in a desperate bid to stay afloat financially.
Founded in 1978, the festivities have become an institution on Sydney’s events calendar, with millions taking to the streets to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
The event was set to suffer a $1.095 million deficit in June before the NSW Government and Sydney City Council stepped in with a $1.1 million bailout earlier this year.
The huge funding injection remained confidential in the run-up to the event to maintain confidence among advertisers and suppliers. The Daily Telegraph reported.
Event organizers announced on Monday they will scale back the festival next year, despite promises of continued government support.
This year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (pictured in March) was supported by a $1.1 million lifeline payment from the NSW Government and Sydney City Council
“As the 2024 festival is behind us and we plan for a leaner 2025, Sydney Mardi Gras will continue to work closely with our government partners as we respond to the challenges facing the major events and festival industry,” a statement said.
“Our relationships with our partners, who believe in the power and importance of major events, remain strong and we look forward to working together in the run-up to 2025 and beyond.”
‘Significant’ financial pressures included increased production and supply costs, the cost of living crisis which saw ticket sales fall and the popular Fair Day being canceled after asbestos was found in Victoria Park.
Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said council would continue to support the event.
“Mardi Gras is a real highlight of Sydney’s cultural calendar,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
“We are proud to stand with the Mardi Gras Festival and help ensure its sustainability into the future.”
Festival organizers sent a financial SOS in February after predicting they would hit a $1.095 million deficit by June (photo, Mardi Gras 2024)
Mardi Gras organizers admitted it is a ‘difficult time to be a festival in Australia’ after major music festivals were canceled this year.
“Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has not been immune to these pressures,” the statement added.
‘The mix of external forces, rising costs of living and an industry in crisis created a ‘perfect storm’ of factors that have left Sydney Mardi Gras in a vulnerable position financially, with events coming to a head while simultaneously becoming one of the most important and cultural important events in the Australian calendar.’
Organizers said they are “grateful” to have partners who support the festival and LGBTQIA+ communities and pointed to the financial and tourism bump this will bring.
“We deliver $35 million in economic benefit to NSW every year,” the statement reads. “By 2024, our festival will support Sydney residents and visitors to enjoy our city with a 20 percent increase in foot traffic during festival weekends.”
“We have strengthened Sydney’s international reputation as a safe and inclusive city that embraces its LGBTQIA+ identity and have been part of countless stories of people finding their identity and community through our annual celebrations.”
Organizers have admitted next year’s edition will be ‘leaner’ with a tough decision ahead on which events will remain