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Dua Lipa to headline Sydney’s Mardi Gras 2020

The 'Don't Start Now' singer will be taking to the stage next year

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

Dua Lipa will headline Sydney Mardi Gras next year.

The ‘Don’t Start Now’ singer will be taking to the main stage at the iconic gay and lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney next year after performing at the ARIA Awards.

Today (November 8), the theme of one of the most popular pride parades – which will take place on February 29 – will focus around inclusion, equality and amplifying the voice of the marginalised.

It has also been reported that the after party venue will be transformed into a new ‘adult play land’ with a ‘multi-sensory feast’ with music, light and gay anthems.

Other performers included on the Sydney Mardi Gras 2020 line up, running from February 14 until March 1, will include 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst,  Koori Gras produced by Moogahlin Performing Arts, and My Trans Story – where Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras founder Holly Conroy, LGBTQI+ activist Ted Cook and Australian Defence Force Academy alumni Joel Wilson come together for a powerful first person account of the trans experience. 

“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,” Mardi Gras Arts Interim CEO, Grant Lowe said on Friday. 

“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.” 

Dua has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community and last year, she appeared visibly upset and on the verge of tears during a show at Shanghai’s National Exhibition Centre when fans were removed for flying rainbow flags.