<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Around 10,000 people are marching in the 48th Gay and Lesbian </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/mardi-gras" rel="" target="_blank" title="Mardi Gras"><span>Mardi Gras</span></a><span> parade in </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/sydney" rel="" target="_blank" title="Sydney"><span>Sydney</span></a><span> tonight.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Thousands more will line the streets of Sydney as the harbour city becomes a sea of colour and bling for the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/mardi-gras-2026-sydney-dates-parade-tickets-schedule-events-road-closures-everything-to-know-explainer/bf74bb4c-1df6-49e2-bfd9-e80a6360d753" rel="" target="_blank" title="celebration"><span>celebration</span></a><span> that has become part of Sydney's culture.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Around 170 floats are expected to take part in the parade, with beloved actress and comedian Magda Szubanski set to take part just a day after announcing she was in remission for stage four cancer.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>LIVE UPDATES:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-launch-attack-on-iran-live-updates-us-begins-major-combat-operations--israel-launches-attack-on-irans-capital/2a7ce3d3-dbba-413c-9053-397468cc6bec" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>US launches 'major combat operations in Iran'</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The float, featuring around 40 people, will feature six of her much-loved characters who have featured on Australian television screens over the years.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>With festivities that have been running from February 13 until March 1, this edition of the festival follows the theme "Ecstatica".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>BREAKING NEWS:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/israels-defence-minister-says-his-country-has-attacked-iran-and-declares-a-state-of-emergency/cf1d7de7-7078-4232-9219-920759c85f2b" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Israel launches attack on Iran's capital with US' help</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-mardi-gras-parade-2026-pictures/516a5a4a-34fd-4484-90a6-b4454522e49e" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The theme blends the festival's foundations in protest and visibility with unashamed joy.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Revellers gathered early in different parts of Sydney, including Hyde Park where the parade will begin, as well as along Oxford Street in Darlinghurst and Paddington.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span></span><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-measles-outbreak-nsw-list-of-exposure-sites/8c19002f-e5d2-460f-89a4-dc571a135c9b" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Highly infectious disease circulating in Sydney as outbreak grows</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Pubs filled early as those taking part showed off their glamourous costumes and outfits for the night.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>There was a moment of controversy on the eve of the parade, with activist group Pride in Protest a late exclusion from the parade.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-music-festivals-cancellations-rolling-loud/f6a3a93e-4aed-44ef-abf6-c6948a9b5537" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Latest music festival cancellation highlights growing trend in Australia</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The pro-Palestinian activist group was barred from taking part after allegedly offensive social media posts.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Pride in Protest staged a protest as a result of the decision.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><strong><span>NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.</span></strong></em></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><ul><li><em><strong><span>Download the 9NEWS App here via</span></strong></em><span> </span><a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/9news/id1010533727" rel="" target="" title=""><em><strong><span>Apple</span></strong></em></a><span> </span><em><strong><span>and</span></strong></em><span> </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nineNewsAlerts.nine.com&amp;hl=en_AU&amp;pli=1" rel="" target="" title=""><em><strong><span>Google Play</span></strong></em></a></li><li><em><strong><span>Make 9News your preferred source on Google by</span></strong></em><span> </span><a href="https://9.nine.com.au/8x987w" rel="" target="" 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