Randwick City Council will celebrate the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival with a ceremony to raise the rainbow flag out the front of the Randwick City Council Customer Service Centre on Frances Street on Friday 28 February at 2pm.

The ceremony is open to the public and will be capped off with an afternoon tea to celebrate. It will be attended by Randwick Mayor Danny Said, representatives from Mardi Gras, local politicians and Randwick Councillors. The flag will fly proudly out the front of Council offices until Friday 6 March 2020.

Mayor Danny Said: “Flying the rainbow flag during Mardi Gras is a vital part of raising awareness, visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQI community. Every year the Mardi Gras brings Sydney to a standstill. It’s a significant cultural event that’s all about support and solidarity and we’re really proud to be able to contribute.

“It’s my hope that as a society we’ll continue the journey towards equality, diversity and inclusiveness.”

Sydney’s first Mardi Gras was held on 24 June 1978 and became a major civil rights milestone. Today, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events, bringing thousands of visitors to Sydney to join in the celebrations.

The rainbow flag originated in San Francisco in 1978 and was designed by artist Gilbert Baker for the Californian city's Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. Since then it has become a worldwide emblem of gay pride.

Ceremony

• When: Friday 28 February
• Time: 2pm
• Where: 30 Frances Street, Randwick