(with thanks to Ethel Yarwood Enterprises)

This tour offers a unique insight into our Mardi Gras,  with a special look at the mystery behind the Mardi Gras magic, plus up close and personal visits to two stunning visual arts events and the gayest lunch this side of Oxford Street!

Guests are transported late morning from Taylor Square to the Mardi Gras Workshop. There they are sprinkled with fairy dust and are initiated into the secrets behind the worlds biggest and best gay parade. Workshop manager Brendan, will offer us a guided tour of the facilities and the chance to meet and talk to some of the key workers and creative participants behind this word class event.

• What is the amazing creation that the Asian Marching Boys will unveil this year?
• What does the ever present Ethel Yarwood Enterprises have up her collective sleeve?
• Will the Australia Marriage Equality Now (AMEN) float get to the church on time?

The answers to these and other queer questions will be unveiled specially to us!

Then off to Depot Gallery, showcasing Ross Watson's new internationally released book, "Untitled #", and the recent paintings and photography included in it.

These paintings are amongst the most accomplished of Watson's career. They investigate themes relating to today's rapidly changing world, and the profound advances in technology, science and communication.

Gay icons Francois Sagat and Matthew Mitcham feature in paintings referencing Caravaggio's art, which subsequently challenge the Vatican's position on homosexuality and condom use, given the knowledge science now affords us.

Guests then are whisked to The Winery in Surry Hills, for a special Mardi Gras gourmet picnic lunch, with pink poka-dot tablecloths and bubbles to start!

Following this festive feast, guests will be escorted down the road to the 2011 Mardi Gras Gallery, Urban Uprising, for a unique viewing of one of the visual arts highlights for the Mardi Gras Festival.

Featuring the work of local and international artists, the Gallery showcases the exciting queer talent our community has on offer, all inspired by the theme ‘The City’.

Artists include: Liam Benson, Charlotte Brookes, Cade Buchanan, Ingrid Dernee, Aaron McGarry, Anita Pettinato, Martin Roberts, Sonya Rothwell, Niobe Syme, Mr. Tina and Mrs. Vera.

The tour will wrap up here, or perhaps we should just pop up to the Oxford? ;-)

Capacity strictly limited - book now!

Rough timings: 

• 10:30 depart Taylor Square
• 10:45 arrive workshop and tour
• 12:00 depart workshop head to Depot Gallery
• 13:00 depart Depot Gallery head to The Winery for lunch
• 14:30 depart The Winery and walk to Urban Uprising
• 15:30 approx guests leave Urban Uprising, under own steam.

Glass of special Mardi Gras Bubbles on arrival at The Winery!

(menu subject to change and season variations)