Thousands of revellers descended on the Sydney CBD on Saturday night for the annual Mardi Gras Parade.
More than 200 floats travelled down Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade for the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras event, with large crowds flooding the Harbour City to catch a glimpse of the action.
The popular party also took a moment to remember the lives of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies who were allegedly murdered in Paddington last week.
Premier Chris Minns made history as the first New South Wales Premier to walk in the Mardi Gras Parade.
However, just before the Premier and Rainbow Labor’s float appearance a group of protesters entered the march about 9.30pm.
Police were forced to remove the group from the parade as the incident unfolded outside the Oxford Hotel.
Earlier on Saturday, event organisers announced the parade would pause temporarily to “take a moment to honour and remember” the Sydney couple.
“As we come together to celebrate love, diversity and acceptance at this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, we also take a moment to reflect, remember, and pay our respects,” it said in a statement.
“As the Dykes on Bikes approach Taylor Square for their second pass – the heart of our Parade – they will come to a pause.
“This serves as a signal for all attendees to join in a moment of silence.”
The choice of the Dykes on Bikes to lead the tribute is “deeply symbolic”, the organisers continued, given the group have “historically played a crucial role as protectors within the LGBTQIA+ community, embodying strength and resilience”.
“Their leading procession of the parade is not only a display of strength and pride but also a nod to their legacy as guardians,” organisers said.
9NEWS
