Sydney to keep the party going for World Pride Festival

Sydney’s World Pride celebrations will continue from Oxford Street all the way to the Inner West, with licensed venues able to keep their doors open later on key dates during the three-week festival.

Venues have been granted special permission to stay open until 2am on various days between Friday 24 February and Sunday 5 March for the biggest celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities from all over the world.

Hospitality and Racing Director of Policy Natalie Wright said more than 78,000 people were expected to attend World Pride in Sydney, which coincides with Mardi Gras on Saturday, 25 February.

“There is no better way to boost the 24-hour economy than creating extra opportunities for our venues during special events like this,” Ms Wright said.

“Extended trading hours will not only give patrons something to celebrate but Sydney’s hospitality industry an opportunity to showcase what they do best.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said Sydney World Pride is a great opportunity for the whole city to showcase Sydney to the world and take part in one of the biggest parties the city has ever seen.

“There has never been a better opportunity to experience Sydney’s resurgent nightlife, so I encourage everyone to join in the celebrations and enjoy a world class event on their doorstep.” Mr Rodrigues said.

This is the first time World Pride will be held in the southern hemisphere with past host cities including London, Madrid and New York.

Visitors to Sydney are expected to spend more than $110 million during the festival, which is anticipated to generate 350 jobs.

Hotels and registered clubs on Oxford Street, surrounding areas and the Inner West will be granted extended trading hours on the following days:

Date (2023)	Event	Trading Extension	Where the extension applies
Friday 24 February	Live & Proud: Opening Ceremony	Midnight on Friday 24 February to 2 am on 25 February	Hotel or club premises in: City of Sydney LGA: Erskineville, Newtown, Darlinghurst, Sydney and Surry Hills Woollahra LGA: Paddington Inner West LGA: Enmore, Newtown, Marrickville, St Peters, Sydenham, Stanmore, Camperdown and Annandale.
Saturday 25 February	Sydney Mardi Gras	Midnight on Friday 25 February to 2 am on 26 February	Hotel or club premises in: City of Sydney LGA: Erskineville, Newtown, Darlinghurst, Sydney and Surry Hills Woollahra LGA: Paddington Inner West LGA: Enmore, Newtown, Marrickville, St Peters, Sydenham, Stanmore, Camperdown and Annandale.
Sunday 26 February	Sydney World Pride Domain Dance Party	10pm on Sunday 26 February to 2 am on Monday 27 February	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.
Monday 27 February	World Pride Villages	Midnight on Monday 27 February to 2 am on Tuesday 28 February	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.
Tuesday 28 February	World Pride Villages	Midnight on Tuesday 28 February to 2 am on Wednesday 1 March	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.
Wednesday 1 March	World Pride Villages	Midnight on Wednesday 1 March to 2 am on Thursday 2 March	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.
Thursday 2 March	World Pride Villages	Midnight on Thursday 2 March to 2 am on Friday 3 March	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.
Friday 3 March	World Pride Villages	Midnight on Friday 3 March to 2 am on Saturday 4 March	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.
Saturday 4 March	World Pride Villages	Midnight on Saturday 4 March to 2 am on Sunday 5 March	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.
Sunday 5 March	Sydney World Pride Rainbow Republic	10 pm on Sunday 5 March to 2 am on Monday 6 March	Hotel or club premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area.

These trading extensions do not affect takeaway alcohol trading times. Individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to a venue’s liquor licence also remain in place for these events.

More details can be found on the Liquor & Gaming website.

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