From February 24 to March 5, Sydney’s famous “gaybourhood” streets will come alive with street dining, free performances and celebrations at Sydney WorldPride’s festival hub, Pride Villages.
Free to attend thanks to funding from the NSW Government, Crown and Riley Streets will become home to daily stalls, dining and bars, with Crown Street also hosting the Travel Proud Stage presented by Booking.com, featuring performances from local and international talent, including iconic Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, self-love superstars Big Thick Energy and Australia’s Queen of Cabaret, Trevor Ashley.
Conchita Wurst said, “I am so excited to be part of Sydney WorldPride and cannot wait to spread all the happiness that I already feel knowing that soon I will be back Down Under!”
On March 4 to 5, the final weekend of Sydney WorldPride, Oxford Street, will be transformed into a street party to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. During both days of the all-ages Oxford Street Party, the American Express Oxford Street Stage will feature free performances by Australian talents including Vassy, HANDSOME, Haiku Hands and Chela.
On the final weekend, a Community Hub will be open on Oxford Street. Run by community organisations, the hub and will be a place for community members to engage and connect with a range of LGBTQIA+ organisations.
During Oxford Street Party, a Community Hub will be open on Oxford Street for the final weekend of the festival. The hub will be run by community organisations and will be a place for community members to engage with issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin said the Pride Villages, funded by the NSW Government, would create hubs of joy, vibrancy and inclusivity where all were welcome to celebrate the largest Pride festival in the world.
“Pride Villages will create a vibrant festival atmosphere, giving the 78,000 expected visitors to Sydney free and open spaces to gather, celebrate and enjoy the festival.”
Kate Wickett, Chief Executive of Sydney WorldPride, said, “Pride Villages will be the heart of the Sydney WorldPride, taking place in the spiritual home of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“Pride Villages is the realisation of a vision we have had from the outset – to bring together the LGBTQIA+ community, Sydneysiders, visitors, businesses and performers, in an inclusive experience for everyone.”
Pride Villages has been made possible thanks to a $3.5million grant from the NSW Government.
The City of Sydney supported the activation of Pride Villages with funding of $300,000, bringing its total backing of Sydney WorldPride to $1.7 million in financial and value-in-kind support.
Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, Clover Moore, said, “We look forward to Oxford Street and surrounds buzzing with rainbow activity, especially the closure of Oxford Street for a two-day street party to mark the end of WorldPride.”
American Express Shop Small Village and Amex House
On the final weekend (March 4 to 5), guests can visit the American Express Shop Small Village within Pride Villages where 18 small businesses will showcase an array of products for purchase. Additionally, Amex House at The Oxford Hotel will be open throughout Sydney WorldPride and the Mardi Gras festival period. Find out more at www.amex.com.au/swp
Road Closures
During the nine days of Pride Villages, Crown Street (from Oxford Street to Campbell Street), and Riley Street (from Oxford Street to Goulburn Street) will be closed to vehicles, excluding February 25 which is impacted by Mardi Gras Parade road closures.
In addition to the Crown and Riley Street closures, Oxford Street will be closed on March 4 and 5 for Oxford Street Party (from College Street to the Taylor Square corner of Flinders Street).
Operating Hours
Pride Villages are free to attend. No ticket is required.
Pride Villages – Crown and Riley Street
Friday Feb 24 – 3pm-10pm
Sunday Feb 26 – 10am-10pm
Monday Feb 27 – Thursday March 2 – 2pm-10pm
Friday March 3 – 2pm-11pm
Saturday March 4 – 12pm-1am
Sunday March 5 – 10am-10pm
*NOTE: Pride Villages will not be activated on Sat 25 Feb due to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
Pride Villages – Oxford Street Party
Saturday March 4 – 12pm-1am
Sunday March 5 – 10am-10pm
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For more information about the dates and times Pride Villages will be operating, visit sydneyworldpride.com/events/pride-villages/.
For information about road closures, public transport services and changes during Pride Villages, visit www.transportnsw.info.
For live information about road closures and clearways information, visit www.livetraffic.com.
