Sydney thrilled: Cher to headline Mardis Gras Down Under

This year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be a jubilant affair and not just because of Australia’s recent marriage-equality referendum which saw the country overwhelmingly support ‘love is love’ but pop superstar and LGBTQI icon Cher will be headlining the official 2018 Mardi Gras Party on Saturday 3 March, 2018.

Subsequently, Mardi Gras has announced an increased capacity by adding the iconic Dome venue, additional eateries and outdoors areas to the Party footprint with a final allocation of tickets for sale this week.

Described as the Goddess of Pop and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Cher’s exclusive Australian performance places the Sydney Mardi Gras Party as the hottest ticket for 2018. Cher is one of the longest-reigning divas in show business with over 100 million album sales worldwide, plus a best-actress Oscar, three Golden Globes, an Emmy, and a Grammy.

Mardi Gras CEO, Terese Casu said “Cher has established herself as an influential, hard-hitting voice in global politics, and throughout her career has been at the forefront of LGBTQI campaigns and numerous charities. Cher represents the same unapologetic and fearless freedom that makes the LGBTQI community so enduring and strong.”

Cher joins a strong cast of international and Australian acts who have performed at the Party over its 40 year history, including George Michael, the Village People, Jimmy Somerville, Cyndi Lauper, Calvin Harris, Nick Jonas, Tina Arena, Thelma Houston, Marcia Hines, Chaka Khan, Olivia Newton-John, Jake Shears, The Veronicas, Kylie and Dannii Minogue and many more.

NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, “This year’s Mardi Gras will be a momentous occasion for LGBTQI Australians and I have no doubt it will be the biggest and best yet. From commemorating 40 years since the first Mardi Gras took place through the streets of Darlinghurst and Kings Cross to reaching marriage equality, there will be a lot to celebrate. Cher fits this celebratory mood perfectly.”

Cher will be featured in the official 2018 Mardi Gras Parade television broadcast on SBS on Sunday 4 March. The 2018 Mardi Gras Parade: Full Live Stream will be available Saturday 3 March at 7pm on SBS On Demand.