Mardi Gras to screen worldwide online


Mardi Gras to screen worldwide online


For the first time ever, anyone in the world with access to the internet will be able to watch this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras Parade after Optus won the right to be its 2012 Official Digital Rights Partner.


An Optus-powered website — www.mardigrastv.org.au — will go live on February 27 and will feature content from the three weeks of the festival, including an exclusive interview with a mystery guest artist.


The website, produced and developed by Optus and directed by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG), will include footage from Fair Day and Harbour Party, a short history of Sydney Mardi Gras, and behind-the-scenes footage from the Parade and party.


It will also feature a one-hour video of Parade highlights, which can be seen from 7.30pm on Sunday, March 4.


Visitors to the website can also enter a competition to win an ultimate Sydney Mardi Gras weekend experience, courtesy of SGLMG.


SGLMG CEO Michael Rolik said the partnership provided an opportunity to share Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 with a global audience.


“While Mardi Gras attracts more than 20,000 visitors to Sydney every year, this year for the first time viewers from around the world will be able to tune in and share the celebrations and excitement of our LGBTI community Parade and festival,” Rolik said.


Optus consumer managing director Michael Smith said he was excited about bringing the Sydney Mardi Gras to the global stage for the first time.


“This unique opportunity is an example of how Optus continues to innovate by bringing exciting digital content to our customers through a range of devices and platforms,” Michael Smith.


“It builds on our digital partnership with the ARIAs, which saw us bring exclusive behind-the-scenes content to our customers via mobile, as well as our digital partnership with Football Federation Australia.”


This will be Optus’ second year of involvement with Mardi Gras after Optus employees organised a Wizard of Optus-themed float for last year’s Parade. 
Optus employees will participate again this year, with another theme that speaks to friendship, inclusion and diversity — the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.


“Optus’ involvement in Mardi Gras is a celebration of our diversity that reflects the lifestyles and interests of our customers and community,” Smith said. 


INFO: www.mardigrastv.org.au


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4 responses to “Mardi Gras to screen worldwide online
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  1. I used to adore watching the mardi Gras on TV as we used to. Will it be available on DVD this year?

  2. Such a shame though that the parade is not being broadcast live here in Australia – either on Foxtel or free-to-air.

    So much for the rest of Australia joining in the celebrations.