Sydney’s Mardi Gras goes ahead with restrictions

world
Sydney’s Mardi Gras Goes Ahead With Restrictions
Hundreds of protesters march in Sydney, © AP/Press Association Images
Share this article

By Associated Press Reporter

Sydney’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is going ahead but in a different format due to coronavirus restrictions.

It is being held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where people can socially distance in their seats rather than on the traditional route down Oxford Street.

Advertisement

Up to 23,000 spectators are being allowed in the stands while the performers are on the pitch.


Organisers say this year’s parade will move away from the traditional large floats and instead focus on the outlandish pageantry of costumes, puppetry and props.

Face masks are mandatory for participants and there are temperature checks and screening at entry points.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, LGBTQI rights protesters were given the green light to march down Oxford Street in a separate event before the parade.


Australia Mardi Gras Protest
(AP/Rick Rycroft)

Health officials in New South Wales state agreed to make an exception to the 500-person limit on public gatherings after organisers agreed to enhanced contact-tracing processes.

Advertisement

The marchers are protesting against social issues including transphobia, the mandatory detention of asylum-seekers and the criminalisation of sex work.

Read More

Message submitting... Thank you for waiting.

Want us to email you top stories each lunch time?

Download our Apps
© BreakingNews.ie 2024, developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com