First Published: Before August 2002
This is an OutUK Archive Item and so some of the links and information may be out of date.
YOUR TEN MOST IMPORTANT MARDI GRAS QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Saturday 30th June is the biggest day in the UK's gay calendar - the Pride Parade & March through the heart of London and the Mardi Gras Festival in Finsbury Park. Read our report on last year's event here, and below a guide to Mardi Gras 2001. | |
 | What time are Steps onstage? 7.20pm |
| Must I buy tickets in advance for Mardi Gras in Finsbury Park? The organisers say "If the festival is not sold out tickets will be available at the park.", but you really should buy your tickets in advance. Price £15 they're available from just about every gay bar and pub in Central London, Clone Zone and Prowler shops and Virgin, HMV and Tower Records throughout the UK. |
| Should I bring my straight mates to the Park? Everyone is welcome and loads of straight people go to Mardi Gras coz it's a great big party. |
| Why should I go on the Pride March? Last year's Parade and March was a big success and the organisers are determined to make it a a celebration in line with Ken Livingstone's dream to create a rival to Sydney Mardi Gras. The idea is not only to make it an international statement of gay pride but to create one of London's largest tourist attractions. You don't have to dress up to march ( but why not?), just turn up in Hyde Park at 11 on Saturday morning. There are loads of pubs en route if you want to stop off and get in the Mardi Gras spirit. |
| What happens if it rains in the Park? Who cares...but some of the most popular attractions are the dance tents featuring the UKs top gay clubs and DJs including FIST, Heaven, Paradise Factory & Trade. The BBC Radio 1 stage features Judge Jules, Danny Rampling and Frankie Knuckles. |
| Will there be just burgers and chips in the Park? There are always loads of different food and drink options from the cheapest to the Balans Champagne Tent featuring smoked salmon platters and caesar salad. |
| What's the best way of getting to Finsbury Park? Public transport definitely. Finsbury Park tube is just 5 minutes away and the police are always extremely well prepared to deal with the thousands of visitors. |
| Who else is appearing on the main stage? Presenters Graham Norton, Supergirly, Lorraine Kelly and Jayne McDonald will be introducing A1, Lisa Stansfield, Vanessa Mae, 5IVE, Steps, Mel B, Hear'Say, Atomic Kitten, Human League to name but a few. The live acts will be punctuated by gay shorts from FilmFour, whilst the Indie Stage features Maximum Roach, Rialto, Gay Dad, Gene and EMF. |
| What time does the Mardi Gras Festival start and where can I get more info? Finsbury Park opens at 1pm and closes at 10pm. The official website is www.londonmardigras.com. |
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London Mardi Gras 2001 Event Review | |