The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras has grown from a local gay pride event to being arguably the most spectacular gay and lesbian event in the world.

The Parade is the jewel in our crown. It has an unrivalled reputation for glitz, glamour, satire and sass. It's a celebration of pride and diversity that never forgets to deliver its messages with humour and pizazz.

Mardi Gras Parade has grown to become a major cultural event and its appeal stretches well beyond Sydney's gay community and its close supporters.

Indeed over half a million Sydneysiders turn out each year to cheer on the parade. Joining them are thousands of overseas visitors lining the route - from US circuit party boys to Japanese office ladies.

This year's parade is on March 3rd and begins at the Hyde Park end of Oxford Street.

We recommend you arrive early, use public transport, leave glass bottles at home and bring with you a healthy dose of respect and acceptance. Get set for a great night as the streets light up and the party begins.

2 Days, 3 Stages, 40 acts, 3,000 friends... 1 MASSIVE PARTY!

This isn't just a music festival - it's a major party; a major party with BETTY!

We've already got a great line up of acts - and more to come; and BETTY from The L Word are coming over to KICK IT for their UK fans!

The music from our favourite TV show has rocked our worlds and touched our souls - and inspired the hottest festival for you in the UK this year.

The most AWESOME new talent from around the world...

The Cliks, Kirsten Price, God-des & She, Johnny Boy, Pretty Boys and Prototypes, are all major new stars from the UK, Europe and US, attracting Worldwide attention and they all are featured in season 3 & 4 of The L Word.

When they hit the stage at The L Festival you'll be blown away by the energy and talent.

Plus the best of new UK acts

Over 20 new bands and solo artists from the UK will hit the stage during the course of the festival.

Our Launchpad competition winners GeEkGiRL and Noah will feature on one of the main stages; and with attention at a premium, we want you to support these two new talents to the full.

The Little Civic will be a boiling pot of emerging talent (take note A&R), with a showcase every 45 minutes for you to savour. It's a small and intense venue - we expect to to be jam packed, so make sure you get your schedule lined up.

Voodoo Hussy, Helen's Evil Twin, Respond, Samantha Kearney, Firebrand, Axe Girl... plus many, many more.