Still from Mama Mia
Still from Mama Mia

This new event series reigns supreme at this years Mardi Gras.

Over four days this February (24-27), Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will showcase their brand spanking new event series, The Harbour, presented by Canon.

With incredible views of Sydney’s shoreline, and all from the comfort of Mrs Macquarie’s Point, fans will be treated to special screenings of Madonna’s hit documentary, and the cult classic Mamma Mia!, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime concert by ARIA Hall of Fame recipient, Tina Arena, ending with Canon’s Tales by Light, a fascinating series of documentary films.

Jump under the covers for a night of debauchery (Wed 24 Feb) with the outdoor screening of In Bed with Madonna, presented by QueerScreen. The film follows the gay icon during her Blonde Ambition Tour and was first screened at Cannes in 1991, quickly becoming the highest-grossing documentary of its time.

Relive the daring costumes, catchy tunes and iconic moments that pushed boundaries in this 25th-anniversary screening celebrating the Queen of Pop. With grandstand seating and a massive screen anchored on the water’s edge, views of the film and the stunning Sydney Harbour are completely uninhibited – no matter how many people come wearing their cone bras!

The following night (Thurs 25 Feb) Australian pop icon, Tina Arena performs an intimate concert at Tina Arena at The Harbour with all the classics like I Need Your Body, Chains, and I Want To Love You.

Presenting a different show and set-list from her sold-out One Night Only tour performances, Tina Arena at The Harbour is an intimate affair with only 1000 tickets up for grabs, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience under the stars.

Head down to the Harbour’s edge for a scented sing-a-long screening of the musical Mamma Mia! (Fri 26 Feb). A popular soundtrack featuring classic ABBA tracks like Dancing Queen, Take A Chance On Me and, of course, Mamma Mia¸ the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir are on hand helping keep the spirits high and the notes on key.

LUSH Cosmetics joins in on the fun by providing a full sensory cinema experience filled with LUSH scents to enhance viewing pleasure. Each guest receives a box filled with seven unique scents and a scent menu from LUSH cosmetics. The menu guides viewers through the film, with information on where to inhale smells to match the scene or mood.

Rounding out the four-day extravaganza is the six-part series of documentaries, Tales by Light. The series follows five extraordinary photographers as they push the limits of their craft in little-known, little-covered and little-understood corners of the earth.

These mind-blowing stories go behind the lens to experience the challenges, successes and moments of joy as these masters of their fields work to capture their unique perspectives.

Nestled in the heart of the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, accompanied by spectacular views, The Harbour promises to be an unmissable event in the Festival’s spectacular summer program.

For more Mardi Gras mania, head to the website.