Sydney’s Fair Day attracted thousands upon thousands of people to Victoria Park for a special day of pride and picnicking yesterday as the Mardi Gras 2012 season officially launched.

It was never quite as hot as last year’s scorching Fair Day, but there were still many sweaty attendees caught by Same Same’s cameras before the weather packed in with a storm after 3:30pm.

Here’s our photos:

There were plenty of performances and entertainment on stage to keep everyone happy, and around the park a few notables mingled among the colourful throng.

Over in the sports section, the Sydney Convicts rugby crew were pleased to welcome two Wallabies players to their tent…

And in the centre of the park in front of the main stage, the Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby’s Sea of Hearts was visited by several Labor MPs. Our photo shows from left to right: John Robertson MP (Leader of the Opposition in NSW), Julie McLeod, Penny Sharpe MLC, Linda Burney MP (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) and Helen Westwood MLC.

Thanks to Twitter, news of Whitney Houston’s death spread quickly around the park in the early afternoon, with many tributes to her being heard from the main stage, and DJ sets adding mixes of her greatest hits.

When a brief storm drenched the park later, here’s the scene inside the Gaydar dance tent:

The sun soon reappeared though, with hundreds staying another few hours at Victoria Park, while huge crowds also continued their partying at Newton’s Bank Hotel and Darlinghurst’s Beresford Hotel.

The Mardi Gras crew claim up to 70,000 joined in the day, and are pleased with the turnout and general vibe of the day.

“Thank you to everyone who came far and wide to be a part of Fair Day 2012,” says CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Michael Rolik.

“The atmosphere around the park was buzzing, and it was wonderful to see many faces – both old and new – show their support. Thank you to the volunteer and production teams who made Fair Day possible.

“We could not be more thrilled with this kick-off to Sydney Mardi Gras 2012, and look forward to seeing you at more events over the next three weeks.”

Mardi Gras 2012 continues with its performing arts schedule in full swing this week, and the Jamberoo Goes Gay event lined up for this coming Saturday.