Cher hints at Sydney LGBT Mardi Gras performance, tickets sell out instantly
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 30: Cher performs on stage as part of the 27th “Dance on the Pier” party during NYC Pride 2013 on June 30, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Tickets for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have been snapped up – after Cher appeared to confirm she would be performing.
Australian media had reported earlier this month on rumours that the gay icon would be making a trip to Oz for the event in March, just months after the country’s first same-sex weddings.
She confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: “OK….. YOU BOYS KNOW WHERE I’LL BE IN MARCH! #PutSomeShrimpOnTheBarbie”.
After the apparent confirmation from Cher that she’s set to perform, tickets for the event were rapidly snapped up.
Officials confirmed that there were no tickets left for the Mardi Gras Party – even before the official announcement of the headliner.
They said: “The 2018 Mardi Gras Party sold out today! THANK YOU to everyone who booked.
“We have some amazing announcements coming very soon.
“It’s going to be an INCREDIBLE night. Get excited!”
Kylie Minogue, George Michael and Cyndi Lauper have headlined the event in the past.
The Sydney Morning Herald previously reported that Cher is “almost locked in” to the event.
Brandon Bear, co-chair of Sydney Mardi Gras, declined to confirm Cher’s inclusion to the newspaper, simply saying “no announcement has been made”.
He added that “part of the excitement of the party is waiting to find out who the headliner will be.”
The 40th celebration is already confirmed to see that Sydney Opera House lit up in rainbow colours for the first time.
Sydney will play host to 17 days of performances, exhibitions, parties and community events as part of next year’s world-renowned LGBT festival from 16 February 2018 to 4 March 2018.
This year’s launch also has special significance as it came in the final days of Australia’s national postal ballot on same-sex marriage.
Former X Factor judge and singer Dannii Minogue performed as the famous Opera House was covered in the rainbow colours to launch the 2018 event.
She wrote on Twitter: “The @SydOperaHouse has her @sydneymardigras rainbow finery on for tonight’s #MardiGras40 show #loveislove”
Mardi Gras Arts CEO Terese Casu said: “This Festival we celebrate all the amazing activists and leaders, including our 78ers, who have fought tirelessly for our rights over the last four decades.
“Mardi Gras is for everyone and this year you will see new spaces and events for more of our community and families to enjoy and share.”
Mardi Gras Creative Director, Greg Clarke said: “The opening weekend of the celebrations features Trevor Ashley’s Mardi Gala at the Sydney Opera House and the wonderful Fair Day back at Victoria Park.
“Other special events not to be missed include Queer Thinking and Koori Gras, Queer Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW and the Pool Party,” he added.
“The 40th anniversary Parade looks set to be the best yet, with a sparkling procession of hundreds of jaw dropping floats and 12,000 revellers will dance till dawn at the Mardi Gras Party, Australia’s biggest LGBTQI party of the year.”
Related: First look at Cher in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
