Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade is under threat due to lack of support from the New South Wales state government, it was claimed this week.

The event, which contributes over $45 million to the NSW economy, could see a return to a more “grass roots feel” if increased support does not eventuate, including the loss of the parade’s flamboyant floats and music.

On Tuesday, the Chair of New Mardi Gras, Marcus Bourget (pictured, at the Festival Guide Launch last Thursday), told MCV that, “it is an extraordinary situation that we bring in so much financial benefit for the state and yet we are unable to share in the millions of dollars [Mardi Gras generates].”

“The parade is a tourist activity and Mardi Gras is not here to support the New South Wales tourist industry; we create this amazing thing and we don’t get any of the financial gain. It may be more beneficial for us to pour our money into Fair Day. It is an event that is for our community,” Mr Bourget added.

Other festival organisers say that maintaining the balance between commercial viability and community can be problematic.

“It’s the ultimate balancing act. People need to feel part of the festival, so you need to have that community feel and appeal, but we also need to survive economically,” said Lisa Daniel, director of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival.

In related news, ALP Member for Richmond, Richard Wynne, announced this week that Midsumma Festival was among the first recipients of Arts Victoria’s Annual Operations program, receiving $40,000 from a $930,000 funding pool.

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