Mar 7, 2021 - World

In photos: 36,000 attend Sydney LGBTQ festival

Rebecca Falconer

Participants wearing costumes march in the parade during the 43rd Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on March 6 — The 43rd Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on March 6. Photo: David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Some 36,000 people turned out for the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade celebrating the LGBTQ community in Australia Saturday, per Nine News.

The big picture: For the first time in its 43-year history, organizers moved the event from Oxford Street to the Sydney Cricket Ground because of the COVID-19 pandemic. New South Wales, of which Sydney is the state capital, has reported no community cases for 50 days.

LGBTQ parade-goers at the Sydney Cricket Ground — Parade-goers at the SCG on March 6. Coronavirus precautions were in place at the event, including contact tracing requirements. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage

Parade goers take part in the 43rd Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade at the SCG on March 06 — Parade participants at the SCG on March 6. The 2021 festival theme, "Rise," is about letting spirits soar after the challenge and hardship that 2020 presented. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage

Rita Ora performs on stage during the 43rd Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade at the SCG on March 06 — British singer Rita Ora performs on stage during the mardi gras parade. Photo: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

People line Oxford Street following the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on March 06 — People line Oxford Street following the mardi gras parade on March 6. Photo: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

In photos: 36,000 attend Sydney LGBTQ festival

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