Cher confirmed for sold-out performance at Sydney LGBT Mardi Gras
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)
Cher has been confirmed for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Australian media had reported last 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.
Tickets were snapped up and the event sold out before any official announcement was made – but the performance was finally confirmed this week.
A release said: “Described as the Goddess of Pop and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Cher’s exclusive Australian performance firmly places the world-class 2018 Mardi Gras Party as the most iconic in its history.
“With a No. 1 hit record in each of the last five decades and over 100 million album sales world-wide, Cher is one of the longest-reigning divas in show business, winning a best-actress Oscar, three Golden Globes, an Emmy, and a Grammy.”
For fans who missed out on a ticket, there will be one last chance.
The release adds: “Before word of Cher’s headline performance began to circulate, this year’s Mardi Gras Party was already selling in record time and sold out just before the New Year hit.
“Mardi Gras is pleased to announce an increased capacity by adding the iconic Dome venue, additional eateries and outside areas to the Party footprint and can now release a final allocation of tickets for sale.
“A strictly limited number of newly released tickets to The Party will go on sale Monday 15 January at 10am AEDT for existing Mardi Gras members only.
“The final release tickets for the general public are on sale 10am AEDT Wednesday 17 January.”
Mardi Gras CEO, Terese Casu said: “Cher has established herself as an influential, hard-hitting voice in global politics, and throughout her career has been at the forefront of LGBTQI campaigns and numerous charities.
“Cher represents the same unapologetic and fearless freedom that makes the LGBTQI community so enduring and strong—positioning herself as a true gay icon.”
NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said: “This year’s Mardi Gras will be a momentous occasion for LGBTQI Australians and I have no doubt it will be the biggest and best yet.
“From commemorating 40 years since the first Mardi Gras took place through the streets of Darlinghurst and Kings Cross to reaching marriage equality, there will be a lot to celebrate. Cher fits this celebratory mood perfectly.”
Cher previously teased 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.”
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