Sydney Mardi Gras to be held at the SCG in 2022

Sydney’s Mardi Gras is back for 2022. But with organisers unsure of Covid restrictions next year, they have made a big call to pull the event from its traditional home.

Mardi Gras is back for 2022 – but Covid will again force the annual celebration away from Oxford Street and into the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The parade will be held in the iconic venue on Saturday, March 5 with a full festival program set to be announced in November which will run from February 18 to March 6.

The theme for next year’s event will be “UNITED WE SHINE” to signify that LGBTQI+ communities shine brighter together and by standing up against hate as a collective, the message of love and inclusion is heard louder.

Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said he is keen to see the return of the diverse parade with this key theme as its anchor.

Mardi Gras 2022 set to take place at SCG. Pic credit: Anna Kucera.

Mardi Gras is back at the SCG in 2022 with an array of events planned for the festival. Photo credit: Anna Kucera.

“For over 40 years we have fought for equality, allowing us to live openly and authentically, free from stigma,” he said.

“The time to use our voices and rally together has never been more important than it is now. We need to be stronger together so that we can fight discrimination and move closer to a future of equality.”

The 2022 parade will see thousands of spectators cheering on marchers in a mass display of community and vibrant colours to match. A live broadcast of the event will allow audiences across the country to be part of the celebrations.

Parade-goers are set to make a comeback for Mardi Gras in 2022.

Aussies are looking forward to the return of the diverse Mardi Gras celebrations in 2022.

Parade-goers are set to come back for Mardi Gras 2022.

Organisers said the Sydney Cricket Ground was chosen for 2022 because it provides the best chance for the parade to go ahead, no matter what the Covid situation is early next year.

Unlike its traditional operation on Oxford St, which draws around 250,000 spectators, the SCG allows room for the parade to be scaled up or down to accommodate any restrictions that Sydney may face.

Events are planned for the upcoming iconic parade and festival. Photo credit: Anna Kucera.

“There’s still uncertainty of what March is going to look like for us. Mardi Gras can’t guarantee that in the next few months things will be back to normal and we can safely have hundreds of thousands spectators on the streets,” Mr Kruger said.

The SCG is set to welcome spectators back for Mardi Gras 2022.

Parade-goers are set to come back for Mardi Gras 2022.

“The Parade is too important to the community to risk having to cancel. So right now, when decisions need to be made, the SCG is the best option for us to guarantee that we can come together to keep the spirit of Mardi Gras’ history of protest and celebration shining bright in 2022.”

Tickets for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade go on sale Monday 15 November.