Because vodka is happiness and happiness is gay and gay is the Sydney Mardi Gras, the Beresford Hotel and Beresford Sundays are joining the celebrations in an epic way.
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Beresford Hotel from 16 February – 4 March will host a series of experiences including Absolut Mardi Gras brunches, trivia nights, a special edition Absolut cocktail, live-stream of the parade on the big screen and Laneway Party.
Here’s what’s on.
MORE: What’s on at this year’s Mardi Gras after party
The First Mardi Gras Inc. Trivia Night
When? Wednesday 20 February
The First Mardi Gras Inc, Trivia Night is back by popular demand and will again be supporting events for 78ers, a not for profit organised founded by the participants in the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Bonnie Bocamp and Alissar Gazal will entertain the crowd, Young Henrys have generously donated a brewery tour for the winning table, and a raffle will be held with prizes from Sydney Theatre Company, Dendy, Sydney Symphony, Art Gallery of NSW and many more. Get tickets here.
Absolut Mardi Gras Brunch and Recovery Brunch
When? 24 February, 11-1 and 4 March, 12-3
These special Mardi Gras brunch editions at The Beresford will be hosted by the ever-fabulous Maxi Shields, one of the faces of the original We Are Colourful campaign when it launched in 2018. The brunch package offers a bespoke brunch menu of five delicious mains, alongside a range of Absolut cocktails specially created for the series. Think ‘The Bero Toastie’ with Sonoma sourdough, smoked ham, comté, mustard and preserves, or the poached eggs with crushed pea, ricotta, mint and zucchini fritters with grilled sourdough, matched with an Absolut Summer (Absolut Lime, St Germain, Lime Juice, Mint). The brunch package includes an Absolut Apeach Mimosa or Absolut Citron Mary to start, choice of dish and a cocktail for just $40. No ticket needed.
Beresford Sundays – Absolut Series with Neil Singleton (UK) + Guests
When? 24 February
Hosted by the fabulous Decoda Secret, it’s the perfect way to kick start Mardi Gras week 2019 at The Beresford. The Day kicks off from 3pm with 7 DJ’s over 2 floors and happy hour 6pm-8pm. International guest DJ Neil Singleton will be bringing with him his distinctive blend of the freshest, funkiest, energetic sounds which have captivated audiences globally along with a choreographed show by the talented Decoda Secret from 9.30pm.
Movie Night
When? 25 February and 4 March, from 8pm
The Beresford will be showing two movie greats across the Mardi Gras period complete with free popcorn, half-priced pizzas and 49% off select wines: A Beautiful Thing, a sombre and witty coming-of-age drama (Monday 25 February) and cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Monday 4 March).
Bingay
When? 26 February, 7pm-10pm
Camp, cheeky and hilarious, Bingay is always a fabulous night to remember. All proceeds raised on the night go to ACON – New South Wales’ leading LGBTI health organisation. For more info go here.
Passport Party
When? 28 February, 7pm-1am
The annual Mardi Gras Passport Party is all about welcoming international guests with open arms and showing them how we party down under! The international DJ line-up includes Wayne G (US), Neil Singleton (UK), French Kiss (FRA), with performances by air-hostess Decoda and her stewards Rhys and Heath. Entry is free and there will be Absolut on arrival for the first 100 guests.
Live stream of the 2019 Mardi Gras Parade
When? 2 March, 7pm-11pm
Ditch the milk crates and the crowds and catch all the Mardi Gras parade action from the comfort of The Beresford Courtyard. Grab a table and watch the live stream of the parade on the big screen and celebrate long into the night amongst the extra fabulous Beresford community.
Mardi Gras Laneway Party
When? 3 March, 2pm-1am
The ultimate recovery event to close the Mardi Gras festival’s final weekend and one of the most cherished Mardi Gras traditions in Sydney, this year’s Laneway will feature the hottest DJs including headliner Sneaky Sound System, surprise performances and an eclectic mix of spaces catered for every part of the journey. Laneway has evolved from a portable stereo and a couple of milk crates on Hill Street into a spectacular street party celebration that takes over the Beresford and Flinders Hotels, and the street in between. Tickets are on sale now from mardigras.org.au