Thousands gather as city embraces theme of ‘fearless’ for its 41st LGBT parade

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The pop star Kylie Minogue, drag queens, glitter and flames dazzled the crowds at Sydney’s 41st Mardi Gras parade.

Almost 200 floats featuring 12,000 people made their way down Oxford Street on Saturday night, celebrating a multitude of cultures, religious beliefs, organisations and causes, and embracing the theme of “Fearless”.

Machines spat out flames and showered confetti over the parade.

Wearing a shimmering gold dress, Minogue made a surprise appearance during the event alongside Courtney Act and a group of drag queens dressed as the singer.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Kylie Minogue with parade participants. Photograph: James D Morgan/Getty Images

While the crowd of more than 500,000 were mostly well behaved, police made 27 arrests for crimes including assaulting police and drug supply, according to the operation commander, assistant commissioner Tony Crandell.

“Most people were well behaved, however there were a minority who refused to heed advice from police and emergency services, they were identified and dealt with accordingly,” he said on Sunday.

More than 50 people were taken to hospital during the night, with most cases linked to drugs and alcohol.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – in pictures Read more

Parade-goer Saskia said the night was like “gay Christmas”.

Fireworks lit up the air as pre-parade celebrations kicked off with Dykes on Bikes Sydney, Boys on Bikes and Melbourne Motorcycles Tourers taking pride of place.

Bearded drag queens, shoulder pads in the shape of the Opera House and rainbow flags were also among the throng.

The First Nations float led the parade followed by the 78ers, a contingent of those who were at the first Mardi Gras in 1978.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Revellers wave from an open-top bus. Photograph: Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

The night also included protest floats railing against the prime minister, Scott Morrison, and Australia’s detention policies.

Politicians including the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and the federal MP for Wentworth, Kerryn Phelps, were among the revellers.

“Mardi Gras brings everybody together and it shows that we all care about each other and no one should feel bad because of their own background or circumstances,” Berejiklian said on Saturday night.

The federal Labor deputy opposition leader, Tanya Plibersek, said Mardi Gras showed that Sydney knows how to throw a great party.