Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have declared that “rain or shine, Parade 2022 is going ahead” as extreme weather batters New South Wales.
The 2022 Mardi Gras Parade is set to descend upon the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night, in just a few days’ time.
In recent days, hundreds of thousands of people across New South Wales have followed flood evacuation orders as heavy rain wreaks havoc across the state.
In a statement late Wednesday, Mardi Gras said rain won’t stop the Parade going ahead. They said their “detailed safety plans” for the event are “already in motion.”
“The forecast for Parade day is looking much clearer than it has been recently,” Mardi Gras explained.
“So we are confident that we will once again unite for a dazzling Parade experience.”
Rain has never stopped Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras added, “There have been many times over the last 44 years where it has rained on Parade night.
“And that has never stopped our communities from coming together to celebrate.
“Rain or shine, the Parade will forge ahead.
“We have detailed safety plans already in motion to help us adjust to whatever Mother Nature has in store.
“This could be as simple as pausing the Parade train for a time if we are experiencing a heavy downpour.”
“If we experience extreme conditions, like thunderstorms, that create a safety risk for our marchers and participants in the Parade and/or spectators we will assess the risk, refer to our safety plans, and take the appropriate action.”
Mardi Gras also advised punters to “pack a poncho” for the Parade as they can’t permit open umbrellas inside the SCG.
“We recommend waterproof mascara and fabulous raincoats. See you on Saturday!”
ABC is broadcasting Parade on Saturday night
On Saturday night, the ABC will screen the Parade for the first time in decades.
Hamish Macdonald is heading the lineup of hosts for the ABC’s live telecast alongside Mon Schafter and comedian Steven Oliver.
Performers Courtney Act, Casey Donovan and ABC News presenter Jeremy Fernandez will work the parade route inside the SCG.
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Long live Mardi Gras. It is more important than ever for our community to come together in Unity to display resilience in the face of the adversity of the past year. We should show support in particular for our trans brothers and sisters who have been viciously attacked in both the NSW and Federal Governments.
I agree with Peter Turner!
Humanity needs Mardi Gras now more than ever; we need joy, smiles, colour and most of all diversity and the acceptance and celebration thereof.
HAPPY MARDI GRAS, ONE AND ALL XX.