The SBS coverage of Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be broadcast live in 2020 for the first time. (SBS)

The SBS coverage of Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be broadcast live in 2020 for the first time. (SBS) Source: SBS

Courtney Act will be joining the lineup of hosts.

The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is now within sight - and, with the full festival program hitting streets across Sydney on Thursday, excitement is already starting to build.

But wait, the good news just keeps getting better.

That's because next year you'll be able to follow along with all the festivities from the comfort of your own home, in real time - whether or not you're able to make it along to Oxford Street. In an Australian first, next year's coverage on SBS will be broadcast live across the country.

Not only that, but Australian drag superstar Courntey Act will be joining the lineup of hosts for the evening, alongside comedians Zoe Coombs Marr, Joel Creasey, and Channel 10 presenter Narelda Jacobs.

It's shaping up to be a transformative festival next year, with a decided shift back to the parade's political roots.

In a powerful nod to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras' history of activism and protest, the official theme for next year's festival is WHAT MATTERS - encouraging party-goers to reflect on and examine not only how far members of the Australian LGBTIQ+ community have come, but how much further we have to go.

It's all about amplifying the voices of our community's most marginalised factions, says Mardi Gras Arts Interim CEO Grant Lowe, while celebrating the unsung heroes who continue to lift us up.

“This year we celebrate those at the forefront of the fight for equality. From ground-breaking queer artists to trailblazing thought leaders, Mardi Gras 2020 is an opportunity to visit the next destinations on our journey of diversity, inclusion and social justice.”

Lowe added: “With Sydney named as the host city for WorldPride 2023, there has never been a more pertinent time to celebrate LBGTQI+ culture and uplift every shade of the rainbow."

So, what matters to you?

The Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020: Live Stream will be available to watch here from Saturday, 29th February 2020 at 07:35 PM.