Iconic events will return as part of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2022.

Events joining the festivities and making a comeback include the Annual Flag Raising at Sydney Town Hall, the Spectacular All-Day Community Fair Day, Mardi Gras Party, Laneway Salvage Party, The Party the Paradiso Pool, the ‘Laugh Out Proud’ comedy gala, the ‘Sissy Ball’ ballroom extravagance, the retro Kaftana Party, the Mardi Gras Film Festival and Queer Art After Hours.

These events join the previously announced parade, for the 2022 schedule – which has just been confirmed to air on ABC for 2022 and the next three years. It also means that ABC will be broadcasting WorldPride events in 2023.

“We are excited to bring back some of our most cherished events in 2022,” said Albert Kruger, CEO of Mardi Gras. “Our festival has always served as a platform for self-expression through art and culture, and after two difficult years of limited contact, 2022 is an opportunity for us not only to unite, connect and to entertain us; but also celebrate the diversity and creativity of our wonderful communities and share our pride with the world.

The theme for Mardi Gras 2022 is “United We Shine”.

Check out more information on the newly added events below.

Raising the pride of progress flag
The Pride of Progress flag will rise at Sydney Town Hall to mark the start of festival season, as key community members gather as the international symbol of LGBTQIA + pride shines from the sky. one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings.

Fair day
All the events and activations the community knows and loves will be back in Fair Day, 2022. Bask in the sun with a picnic, stroll through the community stalls with your dog in tow, or toss your heels and dance the afternoon like Fair Day turns into night.

Kaftana Pool Party
This iconic party will turn into the ultimate retro waking dream of summer, for a poolside afternoon of fabulous extravaganza. Sit back, sip a Pink Lady and celebrate.

Laughing with pride
This queer comedy event of the year is a one-night only showcase of fan favorites, funny devotees and rising stars of the Australian queer comedy scene. The 2022 event follows sold-out iterations in 2020 and 2021.

alley

Sissy ball
Join the fierce icons and rising stars of the Australian ballroom scene and soak up the essence of queer culture, art and expression. It’s a celebration of identity, fluidity and finesse, with house fights, live music, DJs, phenomenal performing artists and a VIP viewing gallery.

Pool party in paradise
The Ivy Pool will become the epitome of sunny Mediterranean glamor for the last day of summer. Cocktails are flowing freely and live DJs, singers and musicians will turn day into night.

Party
Enter a festive playground of sultry celebration and joy, as the LGBTQIA + largest part of the Southern Hemisphere celebrates its 40th year at the Hordern Pavilion. This year, it is returning to its roots with dance floors, chill-out spaces and unusual corners to explore. . . In addition, local and international DJs, pop-up shows and performance artists.

Queer art after hours

alley
End your Mardi Gras weekend with a side-street camp tradition. Spread over both levels of The Beresford and spanning Hill Street, Laneway is a great way to say goodbye to Mardi Gras 2022.

Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival
The 29th Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival will bring the latest and greatest LGBTQIA + films to Sydney cinemas and on demand nationwide.

Queer art after hours
Art Gallery Of NSW will come to life for this exhibition inspired by the theme of Mardi Gras 2022 “United We Shine”. Discover the divine, glamorous and innovative on this explosion of innovative performance art, installations, music and gallery tours.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras runs from February 18 to March 6.

This story originally appeared on our queer sister site, FROOTY.