The Harbour series set to make debut for Mardi Gras this week

THE Harbour is a new series of events on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras calendar.

Located at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point — one of Sydney’s most iconic locations — The Harbour features film, talks, concerts and musical spectaculars in its line up. With grandstand seating, bar area and viewing deck, a stage, and a massive projection screen anchored on the edge of Fleet Steps, audiences can enjoy these events with Sydney’s world-famous harbour and skyline as the backdrop.

Kicking off The Harbour series is a screening of the classic documentary In Bed with Madonna, presented by Queer Screen as part of the Mardi Gras Film Festival. The screening celebrates the 25th birthday of the film that documents her monumental and controversial 1990 Blond Ambition tour. Relive the moments of the beloved gay icon as she pushes the boundaries of sexuality, music and live performance.

Another highlight of The Harbour is a live show by Tina Arena. No stranger to Mardi Gras events, she will sing her hits in a special, intimate performance. With a career spanning 40 years and multiple platinum-selling albums, Arena was recently inducted in to the ARIA Hall of Fame — a testament to her enduring success both here and abroad. Presenting a different show and set list from her sold-out One Night Only tour performances, her performance for The Harbour is a Mardi Gras exclusive.

Meanwhile, the Going Rainbow is More Than Just Lip Service panel discussion sees representatives from the likes of Pride in Diversity, Facebook, Canon and ANZ discuss why they partner with Mardi Gras and what strategies they have implemented for diversity and inclusion within their organisations. This forum is not only free, but also forms part of the festival’s Queer Thinking series.

The documentary series Tales by Light which aired on the National Geographic Channel follows five of the world’s best photographers as they push the limit of their craft. Joining the special screening will be photographers Darren Jew, Krystle Wright, Peter Eastway and Richard I’Anson.

Finally, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir will join Mardi Gras for a sing-along evening with the popular film Mamma Mia as the soundtrack. Bring your friends for what will an unmissable night under the stars.

Stay tuned to the Mardi Gras website for further announcements and additions to the line up for The Harbour.

THE HARBOUR
February 24-17
Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point
Details: click here

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**This article was first published in the Star Observer’s annual fg magazine, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival guide. Grab your free copy today.

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