Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on ABC and ABC iview 28 February – Celebrate this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade with a special live broadcast event on Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Returning to officiate proceedings are drag icon Courtney Act and ABCQueer’s Mon Schafter, alongside ABC’s Jeremy Fernandez and comedian Nath Valvo. They’ll be joined from the crowd by proud Noongar-Yamatji woman and LGBTQIA+ media personality Brooke Blurton, award winning celebrity chef Anna Polyviou and newly out and proud former AFL player Mitch Brown. The party will be covered from all angles, from the glitz, glamour and glitter to powerful uplifting stories from the community.
Latifa Tee will also be hosting triple j‘s Mardi Gras party, bringing you the best queer anthems to soundtrack the big event.
Inspired by this year’s Mardi Gras theme, ECSTATICA, the night promises a dazzling display of inclusion as more than 12,000 participants light up Oxford Street in one of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebrations.
Sharing that energy with audiences across the country, the ABC’s 2026 broadcast is focused on amplifying the pride, passion and artistry of the LGBTQIA+ community in a spectacular national showcase.
Mardi Gras co-host Mon Schafter said:
“Mardi Gras is a celebration of community — its joy, power and resilience. It’s my favourite night of the year, and I can’t wait to get covered in glitter and be loud and proud. In the lead up to the parade, we’ll also be sharing a range of exciting queer stories and debates on ABCQueer and ABC Australia socials. More pride than you can poke a stick at.”
ABC’s Head of Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle, said:
“Through our live coverage on ABC TV and ABC iview, Australians across the country can come together to experience the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of our LGBTQIA+ community. We are proud to support the queer community and are committed to sharing their stories and voices across all our platforms.”
Celebrate a night to remember across ABC TV, ABC iview and ABC Socials via TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and discover a range of LGBTQIA+ content on ABC iview now.
PRODUCTION CREDIT: An ABC production: Manager Events and Partnerships: Janet Gaeta. Executive Producer: Jess Skinner. Head of Arts, Music and Events: Kath Earle.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on ABC and ABC iview – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm
TV Central ABC content HERE
