Fair Day to double as launch

Organisers say they are expecting record crowds at Fair Day 2009 with the popular day in the park playing host to the official launch of the Mardi Gras season for the first ever time.

Pop band Chasing Bailey, Melbourne electro pop trio She Said Yes, comedian Bob Downe and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore will join expected crowds of more than 70,000 on Sunday 15 February to mark the beginning of the world famous festival’s 31st year.

Fair Day has proven itself year-after-year to be one of the favourite Mardi Gras events so it makes sense to mark the launch of the whole season in front of what we expect to be a massive crowd,” New MArdi Gras chair David Imrie said.

Mardi Gras Launch will take over the main stage at noon following an opening spectacular throughout the park.

Performers Shauna Jensen and broadcaster Julie McCrossin will host Launch with Neighbour Day founder and GLBTI advocate Andrew Heslop providing the keynote address.

The main stage will be full letting Fair Day goers kick back and listen to the likes of singer Brecik and The Super Supremes.

On the Broadway stage Queen Miss Left Titter invites you to spend some time with the Carpenters and Lesbian Supergroup.

Imrie said Fair Day would have some new features this year following a survey amongst members.

Our survey showed many people were looking for more fun activities on the day and a wider variety of stalls. So we’re pleased that in 2009 Fair Day will feature the -˜Play Pen’ with a variety of games – like a bucking bronco and giant Twister. While a new gourmet food and wine area will see a Nations United of tastes from organic olive oils to connoisseur wine tasting,” he said.

Following frequent requests we’re also pleased to announce you’ll be able to get a frothy coffee on the park too.”

The Lounge Tent by Bitch will return with a full line up of smooth sounds in the afternoons with the tempo going up in the evening.

And Fair Day wouldn’t be Fair Day without our favourites -“the Doggywood pooch show is back and will be providing free dog obedience training sessions. Team Sydney will be up to their athletic best and when park goers are finally done Newtown’s Bank Hotel will be hosting the official after party.