Cher set to headline Sydney Mardi Gras 2018
Rumours are rife that Cher is to headline Sydney Mardi Gras in 2018.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the legendary performer will be flying into Australia for the 40th anniversary of the Mardi Gras.
The paper says Cher is “almost locked in” to the event, which will come in the weeks after the country’s first same-sex marriages.
(Getty)
Last week the Australian Radio Network appeared to break an embargo by publishing a story declaring Cher was “officially coming to town” for Mardi Gras.
It was swiftly retracted but remains viewable in cached form.
Brandon Bear, co-chair of Sydney Mardi Gras, declined to confirm Cher’s inclusion to the newspaper, simply saying “no announcement has been made”.
He added that “part of the excitement of the party is waiting to find out who the headliner will be.”
But Cher, not known for her subtlety on social media, may have blown the secret herself.
(Getty)
The 71-year-old wrote on Twitter: “Where am I going in March?!”
The 40th celebration is already confirmed to see that Sydney Opera House lit up in rainbow colours for the first time.
Sydney will play host to 17 days of performances, exhibitions, parties and community events as part of next year’s world-renowned LGBT festival from 16 February 2018 to 4 March 2018.
This year’s launch also has special significance as it came in the final days of Australia’s national postal ballot on same-sex marriage.
(TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
Former X Factor judge and singer Danii Minogue performed as the famous Opera House was covered in the rainbow colours to launch the 2018 event.
She wrote on Twitter: “The @SydOperaHouse has her @sydneymardigras rainbow finery on for tonight’s #MardiGras40 show #loveislove”
Mardi Gras Arts CEO Terese Casu said: “This Festival we celebrate all the amazing activists and leaders, including our 78ers, who have fought tirelessly for our rights over the last four decades.
“Mardi Gras is for everyone and this year you will see new spaces and events for more of our community and families to enjoy and share.”
Mardi Gras Creative Director, Greg Clarke said: “The opening weekend of the celebrations features Trevor Ashley’s Mardi Gala at the Sydney Opera House and the wonderful Fair Day back at Victoria Park.
“Other special events not to be missed include Queer Thinking and Koori Gras, Queer Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW and the Pool Party,” he added.
“The 40th anniversary Parade looks set to be the best yet, with a sparkling procession of hundreds of jaw dropping floats and 12,000 revellers will dance till dawn at the Mardi Gras Party, Australia’s biggest LGBTQI party of the year.”
