Mardi Gras Knows How To Party!

Local News, By Christian Taylor, 8th March, 2010

There were lots of smiling faces at Saturday night’s Mardi Gras Party. While New Mardi Gras are yet to comment on the number of tickets sold, a police officer on the night estimated the crowd at 12,500, some 5,000 short of a sell-out event, which is most likely attributable to the Parade/Party split.

Check out our Mardi Gras Party photos here.

The line-up in the RHI this year was stellar, and while the media had leaked the big names in the weeks beforehand, there was no shortage of surprises.

Watch video of the Mardi Gras Party shows here.

George Michael made an appearance at 1am to perform Outside. At first the crowd thought they were getting a drag king show, with the first half of the song being performed by Rocco D’Amore. George Michael appeared mid-way through, surrounded by a sexy troupe of Police officers, to an enthusiastic roar from the crowd.

What did you think of Mardi Gras Party? Vote here.

Kelly Rowland kicked off David Guetta’s set at 3am a performance of When Love Takes Over. In a delightfully tongue in cheek move, Kelly was joined on stage by dancers dressed in a wedding theme, along with a priest in liturgical garb too.

At the beginning of the 5am show it looked as though Lady Gaga might make an appearance. A figure wrapped in bandages, like a dummy, stood centre-stage as Lady Gaga’s Love Game began to play. As they were unwrapped, it was revealed to be Amanda Lepore, who performed a medley of her songs, including My Hair Looks Fierce and Champagne.

Glam rocker Adam Lambert closed the party at 8am with his single For Your Entertainment, wearing skin tight black pants, codpiece, leather harness and a bejeweled jacket with padded shoulders.

The Police presence at the Party was strong, but not as heavy-handed as last year’s Sleaze Ball. From the beginning of the Party until 2.30am Officers searched 102 people, and issued 50 with Field Court Attendance Notices after being found in possession of small amounts of ecstasy, amphetamine, LSD, GBH, amyl nitrates, and cannabis.

A 29 year old Leichhardt man was arrested and charged after 61 ecstasy tablets were located allegedly secreted in his underwear. He’s been granted conditional bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 29 March 2010.

Check out all our Mardi Gras coverage in our Mardi Gras section.