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Time to boogie at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day

Camperdown’s Victoria Park was bursting with colour on Sunday for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair.

If the parade is the party then Fair Day is the fete of Mardi Gras season.

Camperdown’s Victoria Park was bursting with colour on Sunday for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair.

Colourful characters and rainbow flags filled the park to celebrate all things LGBTQI with live entertainment, gourmet food and of course the Doggywood Paegent.

Event MC Christian Wilkins said the fair was one of the most important dates on his calendar.

“Mardi Gras in the past has been an avenue mainly for gay men while the fair is like we’re queer, we’re here,” Wilkins said.

“I think we’re such a culturally diverse city and it’s a really great environment to be around. To be a young queer person in Sydney feels very caring and I think it’s very rare in a lot of cities to feel safe and confident to be exactly who you want to be.”

Christian Wilkins at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day at Victoria Park in Chippendale is Christian Wilkins. Picture: Richard Dobson
Christian Wilkins at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day at Victoria Park in Chippendale is Christian Wilkins. Picture: Richard Dobson
Kevin Kaila with Arya at Fair Day. Picture: Richard Dobson
Kevin Kaila with Arya at Fair Day. Picture: Richard Dobson
Christian Wilkins was the MC at the event. Picture: Richard Dobson
Christian Wilkins was the MC at the event. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Everyone seems to be in fantastic spirits, walking around, singing and boogying.”

“The ability to dance again is just so exciting. I had no idea how much I missed it so I’ll definitely be having a boogie later as well.”

Wilkins said his outfit was inspired by Hollywood controversial teen series Euphoria

“I don’t think any of us young people have seen a show that has felt like it represents us in such an incredible way.”

“Cassie definitely inspired my look for today.”

Crowds at the 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day at Victoria Park in Chippendale. Picture: Richard Dobson
Crowds at the 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day at Victoria Park in Chippendale. Picture: Richard Dobson
Coco Jumbo, Sheileta Buffet and Domina Trixx at Fair Day. Picture: Richard Dobson
Coco Jumbo, Sheileta Buffet and Domina Trixx at Fair Day. Picture: Richard Dobson

Inner West marketing consultant Emma Reeves and her three-year-old Australian Shepherd Maple entered the pageant on Sunday to show support for the love and diversity.

“One of my friends is gay and she invited me to come along so I came out to support her and the fair,” Miss Reeves told The Daily Telegraph.

Emma Reeves at Fair Day with her Australian Shepherd Maple. Picture: Richard Dobson
Emma Reeves at Fair Day with her Australian Shepherd Maple. Picture: Richard Dobson
Hayden Agnew with his dog Loki who won the Doggywood dress up competition. Picture: Richard Dobson
Hayden Agnew with his dog Loki who won the Doggywood dress up competition. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I’m straight but I just love that on days like this everyone just wants to celebrate love and enjoy life.”

“Everyone is out to have a great time, it is absolutely packed when we came out of the pageant at 11.30.”

“Everyone is really friendly and excited to be out and about. It’s really fun to see all the colours and dogs dressed up.”

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/time-to-boogie-at-sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras-fair-day/news-story/4b460a1522552c79dbfae11396d60ac4