Party gets back on track

Party gets back on track

The Mardi Gras Harbour Party is an event with a history of highs and lows. Despite its many name changes, the sore pockets and a drug shutdown, 2010 hopes to be its comeback season.

Now called Harbour ’10, the party will celebrate its 14th year on Sunday February 28. Originally inspired by Pride Week’s Pier Party in New York, the event is held at the Fleet Steps at Mrs Macquarie’s Point and acts as the official arrival party for international guests.

In 2008, New Mardi Gras (NMG) signed a three-year agreement, which resulted in Sam Sparro headlining at last year’s party. Despite the reinforcement of the star power, Harbour ’09 ran at a significant loss with many questioning its longevity.

“The reason for the loss is clearly due to not selling enough tickets,” NMG CEO Michael Rolik said.

“Just as New Mardi Gras took a little time to ‘get its mojo back’, I think Harbour Party is our sleeping giant and is going to be the hottest ticket in town on the parade weekend,” co-chair Steph Sands added.

With this year’s Mardi Gras spilt, Harbour ’10 will be held over the parade weekend and also act as the recovery party from the night before.
“The 2010 structure must be seen as a trial, however, it’s pretty clear that Harbour ’10 has a key role this year as the recovery party from the Parade night before,” Rolik said.

“Its position on the day after the Parade immediately means the party will have a different atmosphere and will benefit from even more international and interstate visitors.

“We don’t think this should be a hard party in any way. It’s all about the beauty of summertime in the city. The crowd should reflect that too.”
Already, the signs are positive. Tickets are selling much faster than in previous years.

“Higher sales mean we’ll be able to make use of the full footprint available to us and this will give us a bit more scope to get creative,” Rolik said.

“For visitors, the location alone makes this unmissable. For locals, it is the first big opportunity to mingle with all the visitors coming into Sydney.”

Those spinning tunes at the harbourside party include Sydney favourites DJ Paul Goodyear and Kitty Glitter. The party also sees the return of UK-based DJs Wayne G and Paul Heron.

“Expect to hear lots of great melodies, vocals and rhythms. I will be playing a lot of my own exclusive remixes and productions too. Not to mention, in a Paul Goodyear set, expect to hear some great classics too,” Paul Goodyear said.

Kitty Glitter added the Mardi Gras Harbour Party is hard not to love.

“You get to bask in the glory of our community in an intimate yet spectacular setting… it’s hard not to love everything about this party,” she said.

“Being so deeply involved in the Sydney scene for the last 10 years, I’m looking forward to playing special tracks that I’ve shared and loved with everyone over the years.”

Harbour ’10 is a party like no other. For a night of pure magic, an unforgettable backdrop and energetic crowd, make sure you book for this exciting party before tickets sell out.

info: Harbour ’10 will be held on Sunday, February 28. Gates open at 3pm.
Visit www.mardigras.org.au

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.