Sydney Mardi Gras 2020: 85 Pics of Sam Smith, Dua Lipa & LGBTQ Revelry

The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade brought together an estimated 300,000 spectators who lined the streets, balconies, and rooftops of Oxford Street to cheer on the 12,600 marchers taking part in the world's biggest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

Mardi Gras' 2020 theme was "What Matters," a motif that built on the legacy of Mardi Gras as a platform for activism and encouraged the public to examine what can be done to build an even more inclusive future. Many of the floats in the parade used the theme as a call to action, choosing to showcase a diverse array of important issues facing the community. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said the parade "was a dazzling display of diversity that brought together people from across the globe to celebrate what truly matters."

"This year we collectively reflected on a number of issues facing our community. From LGBTQI homelessness to the Australian bushfires and climate change, many of this year's floats had a distinct point of view on the issues that matter most," Kruger added.

As the sparkling spectacle came to a close, 12,000 revelers kept the celebration going at the Mardi Gras After Party, which took over Hordern Pavilion and surrounding venues until 8 a.m. Artists who performed at the party included superstars Dua Lipa, Kesha, and Sam Smith, as well as the Brazilian drag phenomenon Pabllo Vittar. The line-up of local and international DJs included Ayebatonye, Cupids Cut, Charlie Villas, DJ Kilimi, Estee Louder, Kate Doherty, Magda Bytnerowicz, Trinity, Whiskey Houston, DJ Hamo, Kate Monroe, DJ Nate, Atomic Blonde & Dutch Kiss, Dameeeela, Barry Harris, Midland, and DJ Joelby.

The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Thanks to photographer Jeffrey Feng for the images of the parade on the following slideshow.