Fabulous Fair Day

It’s Mardi Gras time! Once again, the season is just around the corner, and this year, that means one thing – Fair Day returns to Camperdown’s Victoria Park this Sunday, February 21, marking the official launch of festivities, and including performances from Festival highlights, international DJs and bands, and a cover model competition.

Established 31 years ago, Fair Day provides a more accessible forum – for both gay and straight people – in which to engage the Mardi Gras spirit than the traditional parade. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the festival’s single biggest attractions, with more than 70,000 people expected on the day. “For many people, Fair Day continues to be the highlight of their season,” said Michael Rolik, New Mardi Gras CEO. “It’s our community day and an opportunity to stretch out on the grass, bump into friends, browse the stalls and pick up and show our strength as a united community.”

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore will be in attendance to launch the festival at midday, followed immediately thereafter by an hour-long showcase of the best the Festival has to offer. It will include excerpts from a number of Festival shows, including Last Night’s Beauty, To Sir With Glove, and Thrill Me, as well as a performance from female trio The Margaritas.

International acts on the day will include German funk group Lucasonic, as well as openly gay Israeli artist Ivri Lider, one of his home country’s biggest domestic acts.

Making a return in 2010, meanwhile, is the popular ‘Doggywood’ dog show, which receives prominent billing this year by moving to the centre of the park. The owner-mutt lookalike competition, in particular, promises to be harder-fought than ever.

Also featuring on the day will be traditional highlights, including the Dykes on Bikes, the Bear Tree, sporting antics with Team Sydney, plenty of stalls and food galore. Events kick off at 10am and continue until 7pm.