Mardi Gras’ party by the harbour, Harbour ’09, will be held on Sunday 1 March 2009at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain.

2009 marks the first party under a new agreement between the Botanic Gardens Trust and New Mardi Gras. Botanic Gardens Trust Executive Director Dr Tim Entwisle said the success of the NMG-run Sol Y Luna Harbour 2008 party helped NMG secure a three-year deal.

At the 2008 event we saw party-goers dancing in style. Where else can you enjoy the sparkling sunshine transform into a glamorous evening set against the backdrop of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and our fabulous Botanic Gardens, Dr Entwisle said.

We are delighted to be working with the Botanic Gardens Trust on a longer term basis,  NMG CEO Anna McInerney said.

The agreement provides us with a solid basis on which to invest in the creativity and production values of the party and ensure its place as a signature event on our festival calendar.

The New Mardi Gras team will work its magic to produce another glamorous, fun and exciting dance party from 3pm -“ 11pm on Sunday, 1 March 2009.

This event has been on the Botanic Garden Trust’s annual event calendar for over a decade, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition by hosting this event for the gay and lesbian community during the Mardi Gras Festival 2009 festivities, Dr Entwisle said.

We will fully integrate Harbour 09 in this year’s Mardi Gras season and the Nations United theme,  McInerney said.

We want to bring a bit of the creative magic of the Mardi Gras Party and Sleaze Ball to the harbourside. We’re expecting this signature event to attract a flock of interstate, international and local party goers.

“Judging by the amount of interest we have had so far, I’d advise people to get in early to secure tickets.”
info: Tickets will go sale in December. For full party details visit www.mardigras.org.au.