Cher’s surprise appearance in Sydney Mardi Gras crowd ahead of performance

SUPERSTAR Cher has made a surprise appearance in the crowd at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ahead of her scheduled performance.

SUPERSTAR Cher has made a surprise appearance in the crowd at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ahead of her scheduled performance later tonight.

The American pop sensation and gay icon has flown in as the headline act for the official party.

Cher - who donned bright orange hair and a low-cut black top with a silver-embroided jacket - was swamped by security, drag queens and performers as she stood on Oxford St among thousands of spectators watching the floats pass by around 8.30pm.

Her songs ‘Turn Back Time’ and ‘Strong Enough’ blared from the Qantas float which featured Cher imitators and dozens of marchers in flamboyant costumes holding large purple letters which spelt her name. The singer then joined the float and mingled with fans, hugging them and posing for photos, before walking part of the rainbow strip in the parade.

Superstar Cher made a surprise appearance in the crowd at the 40th Sydney Mardi Gras ahead of her scheduled performance later tonight. Picture: AAP /Joel Carrett.

Superstar Cher made a surprise appearance in the crowd at the 40th Sydney Mardi Gras ahead of her scheduled performance later tonight.

Earlier, there was speculation the pop star could make a surprise appearance during the parade.

Mardi Gras creative director Greg Clarke stopped short of confirming the rumours but insisted people would not be disappointed.

“She has come all this way and ... I’m sure she’s going to want to be in that parade,” he told ABC news on Saturday.

“A big surprise.”

and that is the real @cher supporting tonight’s @sydneymardigras #MardiGras40 - how’s everyone’s make up going? pic.twitter.com/WZR1LsBUME

— TAFE NSW (@tafensw) March 3, 2018

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy made an appearance on Oxford Street after the Dykes on Bikes and Boys on Bikes kicked off the evening’s festivities. Mr Turnbull posted a photo of himself with the A-Lister on his Twitter page. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian also posted a photo of herself and the prime minister with Cher at the parade.

Mr Turnbull described the parade as a “wonderful part of Sydney”. “It’s 40 years old and 40 years ago Lucy and I had our first date so our love affair is a result of Mardi Gras,” he said at the event.

Welcome to Sydney, Cher! @GladysB Lucy and I and all your fans thrilled to be with you at the 40th Mardi Gras & first since Australia achieved marriage equality. pic.twitter.com/EIYDaq2OTG

— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) March 3, 2018

The prime minister, who didn’t attend last year’s parade because of the marriage equality controversy says the ‘yes’ vote was an affirmation of love and respect for same sex couples.

“It was like the nation gave same sex couples an enormous hug,” he said. “It was a vote for equality, a vote for respect and what a huge vote it was.”

Superstar Cher and the Qantas float. Picture: QANTAS.

The superstar appeared in excellent spirits at the event.

More than 1000 police officers are keeping a close eye on revellers as part of a huge security operation that involves strategically parked vehicles, an intelligence crew, mounted police, the riot squad and sniffer dogs.

Meeting Cher at the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Mardi Gras 🌈 #MardiGras pic.twitter.com/hjDZkgGm6p

— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) March 3, 2018

Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell urged partygoers to look out for one another and plan their night ahead.

A number of roads have been closed, with thousands expected to use public transport before and after the parade.

Cher watched on with the crowd before joining the parade.

Cher arrives at the Sydney Mardi Gras. Picture: QANTAS.