Ministry of Sound Sydney: thousands dance the night away at iconic techno festival

Iconic British techno pioneers Ministry of Sound have made their way through Sydney, allowing older clubbers to relive their glory days and nights, while showing some younger crowd what the fuss was all about.

Former politicians, actors and reality stars joined the throng of ravers attending the London-based club empire’s Testament shows, promising to “revive the legend of ’90s and ’00s club culture.”

Thousands of ravers flocked to the dance spectacle held Saturday and Sunday at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal.

High-spirited revelers usually chose between low-profile all-black outfits or bright fluorescent colors.

Police kept a close eye on ravers who randomly searched visitors for drugs or prohibited items on their way in.

Some people were in the festive spirit long before entering the Testament event

For some Ministry of Sound partygoers, it all seemed too much at times

Among those who showed up for the first session of the thumping festival was the perhaps unlikely figure of former NSW Deputy Prime Minister John Barilaro.

While he may have preferred partying in the Big Apple, he was denied an opportunity when he resigned from a $500,000 job in New York last year, but Mr. Barilaro seemed excited to hit the dance arena.

The 51-year-old groover spent some time customizing his black jacket over a white T-shirt with the monochromatic color scheme replicated by his black jeans and crisp, solid white sneakers.

He entered with partner Jennifer Lugsdin, who wore a white fur coat over a black mini dress.

Following a public backlash surrounding the fact that he got the job in New York after leaving politics, Mr Barilaro made headlines again for all the wrong reasons when he got involved with a freelance cameraman in July 2022.

Following the incident, which took place outside a Manly restaurant on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Mr Barilaro’s solicitor Danny Eid applied to the local court of the Downing Center in Sydney to have his charge heard on grounds of mental health.

Australia’s Next Top Model star Charlie Austin looks ready to get down to business at the Ministry of Sound Testament event

Austin enjoys a cigarette outside the Ministry of Sound with her new boyfriend Poata Okeroa

Former NSW Deputy Prime Minister John Barilaro, seen with his partner Jennifer Lugsdin, was among the Ministry of Sound revelers on Saturday night in Sydney

Mr. Barilaro puts on his coat as he prepares to join Ms. Ludsdin in the Ministry of Sound Testament event

Police attended the Ministry of Sound Testament event at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal

Magistrate Susan Horan granted the request after “convincing” evidence was presented to the court, including reports from Mr Barilaro’s treating clinicians.

It’s unknown how long Mr. Barilaro lasted on the dance floor, but actor and singer Erika Heynatz didn’t expect to make it well into the night during Sunday night’s early session.

Heynatz posted a video of a crowd rippling to the deafening decibels of Australian DJ ‘First Lady of House’ Kate Monroe.

The former Home and Away star who played villainous biology teacher Charlotte King on the long-running soap seemed well aware it was a school night.

“The crowd was already kicking for @mskatemonroe at 7:30pm,” she wrote.

“Look… there are benefits to getting old.

“Take me to the Ministry of Sound discotheque, but take me home before midnight, I beg you.”

As the night progressed, some took the opportunity for refreshment outside the harborside location

Say Cheese! Ravers take a selfie at the smashing two-day festival

There was the chance to get some off-premises refreshments on an early Saturday night for these food-themed gentlemen

Charlie Austin, star of Australia’s Next Top Model, was also seen outside the Passenger Terminal on Sunday night.

Despite her glamorous heritage, Austin was in casual mode making her moves by wearing high black boots, jeans, a crop top and jacket.

Austin, 30, who recently broke up with the restaurant owner’s husband, Scott Robertson, was seen chatting with his new boyfriend, nightclub boss Poata Okeroa.

Before the first tracks were played, revelers could be seen around the harborside venue enjoying some refreshments.

For some it was also the chance to take some last selfies in the sun before entering the cavernous dance arena.

A packed line soon formed at the front of the venue as security herded the excited revelers into the roped lines.

Police were also present and appeared to check for age, but were not seen looking for drugs.

There was a lot of excitement when the Ministry of Sound let the Sydneysiders jump on Sunday

As the event drew to a close, Ministry of Sound ravers tried to find their way home in the early hours of Sunday morning

Some of those gathered outside for refreshments ahead of the Ministry of Sound Testament event took the opportunity to take last-minute selfies in the sun

Some of the attendees at the Ministry of Sound’s Testament event in Sydney were certainly dressed to impress

There were plenty of weird and wonderful fashion choices on display, including junk food themed T-shirts, patchwork jackets that were half army camo and half 1970s wallpaper design, and hair that hung down in long pastel braids.

Some hippie style groovers dressed with both 1970s flair and slacks.

As the night progressed and it all got a bit much for some of the partygoers, you could see them taking the opportunity to take a breather in the fresh Sydney night air.

Later, the bleary-eyed and tired-looking stragglers emerged in the wee hours hoping to somehow get home.

The Ministry of Sound Testament event moves to Melbourne for two nights next weekend and then to Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Colorful costumes were worn with flair and also torches for the Sydney Ministry of Sound event

Security was on hand to usher the excited revelers into Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal

There were some standout outfits among the ravers who entered the Ministry of Sound Sydney event on Sunday night

“This unparalleled era of nightlife has become the stuff of folklore and legend,” says Ministry of Sound’s promotion for the event.

“Testament pays homage to the sounds and people of this clubbing generation, and the vibrant nocturnal cities and cultures across the country they’ve cultivated.”

Ministry of Sound was founded in 1991 as a South London club with an emphasis on acoustics over style.

It has since grown into a global empire of touring events, dance track releases and now even includes a gym.