Louder, more high energy: Mardi Gras promises changes to Harbour Party
Image: A snapshot from the 2014 Harbour Party (PHOTO: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
ORGANISERS of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Harbour Party have promised that next year’s event, located at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, will be the “best ever” following criticism levelled at 2014’s event.
Partygoers took to social media in droves earlier this year to complain that music at the open-air event was too “laid back” and that sound levels were so low that, in some areas, the music couldn’t be heard at all.
At the time, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras said they were hamstrung by strict volume controls laid down by the Environmental Protection Agency but admitted that in certain locations the sound was indeed lower than anticipated.
Launching 2015’s Harbour Party, Mardi Gras chief executive Michael Rolik said the organisation had taken the feedback from “passionate partygoers” on board.
“We’ve repositioned the stage to maximise the view of the stunning harbour and make sure no sound gets lost in the crowd,” he said.
Mardi Gras today released a video on social media to publicise the dance party (scroll down to watch).
Rolik also said Harbour Party would have a “more affordable ticketing structure” with tickets for the 2015 party, which go on sale today, starting at $69.
However, while significantly less than last year’s top price of $149, Mardi Gras has warned that the new lower price “won’t last”.
The first details of the line-up for Harbour Party, to be held on Saturday, February 28, have also been announced with Mardi Gras saying the bill will be more high-energy than in 2014.
Mardi Gras favourites Kitty Glitter and Dan Murphy will be joined by remix specialists Bimbo Jones, fronted by the UK’s Lee Dagger, with “the hands-in-the-air anthems” of homegrown DJ Du Jour also featuring.
Organisers have promised further announcements on the line-up will be made in the coming months.
A new cocktail bar is also on the cards, allowing the crowd to sip on a martini or two as the sun sets behind the Opera House before heading to the dance floor.
“Harbour Party is a truly spectacular annual event for us, and we’ve worked hard to ensure that the 2015 edition will be the best ever,” Rolik said.
DETAILS: Harbour Party, 3pm–11pm, February 28, 2015; Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Sydney. Info and tickets: www.mardigras.org.au
Watch the promotional video:
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Jake Churches
Shannen O’Sullivan Emma Pittman Nathan Greaves Bec O’Donnell who’s keen?
Maris gras committee parties generally suck anyway
lol no drug dongs thermo scanners and kida surprises yummy fun times and sexuality liberated from society conformity
Cam Gunns Yeah noticed this and its a great line up so def going
Matt Williams Jay Cee
I don’t think so. I will never step foot in that venue again. Year after year a dismal result and bitterly disappointed punters. They need to let this party rest for a few years
Daniel James Richard Low
The cheaper tickets were so limited they are already gone. So tickets now is $99.
We will wait and see how they handle the party next year. This year was a complete rubbish.
I am sorry, but MG organisers need to look outside the box and learn a little bit from Circuit Parties in Europe.
Things are changed and MG is refusing to change, to evolve.
Glad they’re sorting out the music this year and cheaper tickets is great. But will they ruin it with heavy handed police again? Or will it get rained out this year? Starting to think there’s a Harbour party curse, something always seems to go wrong :-)
Is this an admission then that last year there WERE some problems with the sound system and partygoers didn’t get their money’s worth? As the explanation last year was that the Park’s management had forced “sound” restrictions on MG…
Good news. Thanks Mardi Gras for taking on the feedback and working on the issues
Promise promise again !
I hope so – its my favourite party was soooo disappointed last year
Great news!!
It was one of my best parties.. ever. And I’m from Amsterdam and know how to party!
One drug dog per person allocated at the front gate
:-)
and lots of undercover officers with guns hanging around
Nathan Emmett
Let’s do this