Adam Lambert To Headline 2024 Sydney Mardi Gras, Cub Sport & Slayyyter On Massive Line-up

American singer Adam Lambert is returning to Australia to headline the 2024 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, which takes place from 16 February until 3 March.

Lambert, stepping away from his day job – touring the world as the vocalist for Queen – will bring the energy of tracks like Ghost Town to the Hordern Pavilion. He’ll be supported by the iconic Ultra Naté, known for her hit 1997 track Free.

Meanwhile, the Forecourt will host an exclusive performance by CeCe Peniston, with appearances from Keiynan Lonsdale, Miss Katalyna, Shigeki (JPN), Bobby Blanco (UK) and more set to keep the party going. Liberty Hall will be turned into a Boiler Room, with AK Sports (US) and Jennifer Loveless (GER) bringing techno and deep house to Mardi Gras.

At the Bondi Beach Party, Slayyyter (USA) will host an Australian exclusive performance alongside fellow global DJs Jay Jay Revlon (UK), Lagoon Femshaymer (UK), and Corey Craig (US). Last year’s Australian Idol winner, Royston Noell, will take the main stage at Fair Day, while MAY-A headlines Ultra Violet, which will see the National Art School transformed into a space just for LGBTQIA+ women.

Laneway, taking place over three separate venues, will see Australian heartthrobs Cub Sport headline the glittering street party, with Atomic Kiss, Amanda Louise, Dan Azzo, and Jesse Boyd also set to perform.

Today’s 2024 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras announcement arrives with over 150 artists and entertainers on the line-up. You can view the entire program here.

Sydney Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith said about this year’s event, “For 45 years, the energy, vibrancy, and unity of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has made it a globally significant event. And each year, our commitment to bringing forth an even more fabulous celebration grows.

“In 2024, we embrace our roots and look forward with eager anticipation to our future. Our mission is clear: to echo the voices of our communities, to champion progress and instigate impactful change.”

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO added, “Sydney Mardi Gras is an annual highlight on Sydney’s calendar, and the City of Sydney is proud to support this celebration of protest and pride.

“The Progress Pride Flag will be flown above Town Hall as a symbol of inclusion, acceptance and diversity. The lasting legacy of this year’s Mardi Gras will be the opening of Qtopia: Sydney’s newest museum, dedicated to telling the stories of our wonderful rainbow community.

“On a personal note, this will be my 32nd year marching in the parade, although I started judging floats in the 80s! I am proud to be an ally and champion of the LGBTQIA+ community and look forward to Sydney being awash in glitter and sequins once more!”

In recent Sydney Mardi Gras news, Rogue Traders singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte will host an exclusive performance at the Mardi Gras Debutante Ball, a new event for First Timers in the LGBTQIA+ community held by Johnnie Walker. 

In a statement, Bassingthwaighte said about her partnership with Johnnie Walker and her exclusive Mardi Gras performance:

I’m proud to be working with a brand like Johnnie Walker who has continued to champion the progress of the LGBTQIA+ community, from trailblazers to newcomers such as myself.

Being able to attend my first Mardi Gras as a new member of the queer community, surrounded with so much love, joy and acceptance, is so special to me, and what’s even more special is knowing that I get to share this memorable experience with other First Timers of diverse queer identities.