The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade marched through Darlinghurst last night with Amanda Lepore at the helm, wearing little more than stilettos and jewellery, perched in a Mercedes convertible. This year the parade had 9,400 participants and 135 floats.

Check out the photos from Mardi Gras Parade, Carnival and all the parties here!

The theme this year was “History of the World”, and the lead float bore the slogan “Remembering Genius”. Other highlights included homages to Queen Victoria and Frida Kahlo, numerous George Michaels, egyptians, zombies and surf lifesavers.

“Tonight saw a hugely creative parade delight a massive crowd of Sydneysiders and visitors,” said NMG CEO Michael Rolik in a statement. “But as always we want to let the dust settle and know that people got home safe and sound before calling it a success.

“I would like say a big thank you to all those who turned out to watch. It is enormously heartening to see our gay pride event so eagerly supported by the broader community.”

After a few violent incidents last year, particularly around Hyde Park, Mardi Gras and the Police had been working hard to ensure this year was not a repeat episode.

“Police, event organisers and key stakeholders, have spent months planning for this year’s parade and I believe that environmental changes to the parade this year contributed to the reduction in incidents,” said Assistant Commissioner Smith in a statement.

“Last year we saw far too many young people using Mardi Gras as an excuse to come into the city, get drunk and commit acts of violence or stupidity.

“It was evident again this year that a small minority of young people continued this behaviour, nonetheless, considering the increase in crowd numbers I am pleased that the majority of people came along and enjoyed the parade in the spirit of Mardi Gras,” he said.

Police, throughout the evening, responded to 140 incidents with 35 people arrested. Those arrested were charged with a variety of offences including Stealing, Assault Police, Offensive Behaviour and Possess Drugs.

The Hyde Park precinct which recorded 72 incidents in 2009, recorded fewer incidents this year, due to modifications to the start area that proved successful in moving public order and crowd issues.

Significant incidents that occurred during the evening include the serious assault of a 44-year-old man from Letheridge Park, two separate incidents of young males suffering stab wounds, and a brawl which resulted in a police officer suffering minor injuries after hitting his head on the ground.

The NSW Ambulance Service responded to significantly lower incidents of intoxication and drug affected people compared to last year.

Parade participants and New Mardi Gras members later headed off to the Entertainment Quarter after the parade for the new event Parade Carnival.

Check out the photos from Mardi Gras Parade, Carnival and all the parties here!