Bathurst's Mardi Gras festivities are set to continue this weekend with a grand roster of events planned.
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The expected jewel of proceedings will be the celebratory event at The Oxford Hotel this Saturday, hosted by Betty Confetti [Jonathan Hosking], which will air the Sydney Mardi Gras parade live.
Hosking said visitors can expect the finest in drag entertainment, as well as themed food and drinks.
"In character as Betty, I'll be joined by drag daughter, Khora Clinic and a new friend: drag king Mr Clintoris," he said.
"The Mardi Gras parade in Sydney will be a bit different this year due to COVID restrictions, with the event to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of a seated audience."
In addition to the Oxford event, Mardi Gras events will also take place on Sunday at the 9inety 2wo restaurant and Keystone respectively.
Hosking said it's been outstanding to see Mardi Gras-themed events grow in popularity across Bathurst.
"The headspace event at Keystone last weekend was a huge success, as was last year's Mardi Gras event, so it shows there's plenty of interest among the community," he said.
"It's a bit of a bummer that dancing isn't allowed in venues just yet, but we've been able to work around it."
Bathurst is still poised to host the next Australia's Got Drag contest, which has been moved from February to September to allow for hopeful further eases to restrictions.
Hosking said Mardi Gras events are a wonderful opportunity to bring the local LGBTQIA+ community together to stress the importance of individuality.
"It's a chance to tell people it's okay to be who you are, even in a smaller town where the opportunities for self-expression aren't as abundant," he said.
"Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or not, these events are open to everyone."
The Oxford event will get under way from 6pm and is 18+. Tickets are available via the Facebook event page: Bathurst Mardi Gras.
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