Tens of thousands of people have lined the street as hundreds of floats and groups sailed down Oxford Street, for the 45th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
It was the first time in two years that the parade has returned to the street, after COVID-19 restrictions saw the parade temporarily moved to the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made Mardi Gras history as the first sitting PM to march.
"It's unfortunate that I am the first," he said.
"This is a celebration of modern Australia, we're a diverse, inclusive Australia and that's a good thing."
Organiser Albert Kruger said the night was the biggest and most electric in years.
"It's all about equality It's all about partying with purpose that is what Mardi Gras stands for.
"The Mardi Gras parade is the biggest event in the WorldPride festival.
"For the first time in history, we have the Prime Minister marching in the parade, which just signals to the rest of the world that we are accepted."
Look back at our blog coverage below.
- Watch more about Sydney WorldPride and pride content on ABC iview.
- Read more about Sydney WorldPride and pride across Australia on our event website.
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Live updates
Bye bye!
By Maryanne Taouk
The glitter is settling and I'm signing off for the night.
Thank you all so much for spending Mardi Gras with me, for one unforgettable and electric parade.
Remember you can catch all of ABC's WorldPride coverage at the iView link, and read about our Mardi Gras coverage on the stories page here.
Final pics for the night
By Maryanne Taouk
One last look back!
Another round of pics
By Maryanne Taouk
There were too many wonderful looks to fit in one post!
What an epic night!
By Maryanne Taouk
Phew, the floats are done and the highlights have started.
Top moments of the 45th Mardi Gras are rolling in.
What was your favourite moment? Mine? The dogs, all the dogs, and of course the feeling of celebration and inclusion that has enveloped the city of Sydney.
But wait, there's more
By Maryanne Taouk
We're nearing the end of the floats to leave the marshalling area at Hyde Park.
Wrapping up the rear are:
- Western Sydney University
- Gay Tradies
- Hoop Pride
- TransPride Australia
- Braveheart
- Itty Bitty Titty Committee
- Drag Kings Unite
- Haka for life
Watch: Youngest Aussie Drag Queen
By Maryanne Taouk
Meet Australia's youngest Drag Queen, Logan Kelly, aka Candy Featherbottom.
The 13-year-old is not your average teen — he's a singer, has a black belt in karate, and is an absolute legend!
State Liberal paraders
By Maryanne Taouk
Liberal Party NSW — Friends of the LGBTQI Community are marching as well.
They're not the only political party out tonight, NSW Labor, The Greens NSW, and an Independent have all taken to Oxford St.
Jonathan's first Mardi Gras
By Maryanne Taouk
Jonathan came out to his family during the COVID lockdown, and now he is marching alongside the Sydney Hookers Boxing Club.
It's the only LGBTQ+ boxing club in the Mardis Gras parade and in the southern hemisphere.
Read more about Jonathan's story at the link below.
Watch: Rainbow fireworks
By Maryanne Taouk
'Celebrating modern Australia'
By Maryanne Taouk
When asked about his momentous Mardi Gras walk, Anthony Albanese said it was "unfortunate" that he was the first.
"It's unfortunate that I am the first, but this is a celebration of modern Australia, we're a diverse, inclusive Australia and that's a good thing.
"People want to see that their government is inclusive and represents everyone, no matter who they love, no matter what their identity, no matter where they live. We need to be a country that respects everyone for who they are."-Anthony Albanese
Pic round up
By Maryanne Taouk
So many looks, so little time.
Here's some we're loving.
Sugababes are back, baby
By Maryanne Taouk
Big moment for fans of late 1990s girl group the Sugababes.
The trio have reunited and are back in Australia after 20 years.
You can catch them at the official Mardi gras party later tonight.
PM on parade
By Maryanne Taouk
PM Anthony Albanese has made Mardi Gras history, becoming the first Australian sitting PM to take part in the parade.
But, he was beaten globally by former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and Candanian PM Justin Trudeau who both walked pride parades.
Pride in protest
By Maryanne Taouk
The original Mardi Gras was a time of protest.
More than 50 people were arrested, with many more beaten and others outed by the media in 1978.
The marches for Pride in Protest aim to bring people together with a common purpose of fighting for those who are oppressed and stripped of a voice.
They are striving for meaningful change for queer people around the world.
Best bits
By Maryanne Taouk
There has been a lot of great looks so far.
What has been your favourite?
Party vibes
By Maryanne Taouk
Harriet Tatham and Alex Lewis are on Oxford St, where it's loud, bright, and by the looks of it a lot of fun.
More floats
By Maryanne Taouk
Here are some more of the floats that have gone by:
- Qantas
- Rainbow Families
- Queer Roller Derby
- ABC
- Autism Spectrum
- NSW Ambulance
- Asexuals
- Cosplays out of the Closet
- Tamworth Pride
Politics leading up to today
By Maryanne Taouk
Gay conversion therapy has been a talking point in the lead up to next month's state election.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet pledged "in principle" support for the legislation that will end conversion therapy, while Labor leader Chris Minns says there is no place for the "dangerous and damaging" practices.
Take a look at Alex Lewis’s stories on the brave people speaking out about the practice below.
