Glitz, Sparkle, and Flash: The Community Shines at the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

The 2022 Grammy Awards show took place last night, postponed from its usual January/February slot in the calendar by pesky COVID. Following last week’s headline-grabbing Oscars ceremony, the Grammys show wasn’t so eventful.

Cancer Bats posted a new track called ‘Pressure Mind’ on Friday, the third track to be released from their upcoming seventh studio album ‘Psychic Jailbreak’, which will be released on 15 Apr.On it, the band’s Liam Cormier says: “Sometimes you just need a release with everything going on in the world, this song is our punk rock way of blowing off some steam. [The] melodic verses and bridge are all about introspection and thinking how we get ourselves in these mindsets time and time again, and then the chorus is all about letting it out!”The band have also teamed up with Anchored Coffee Roasters to make a special limited edition coffee blend to accompany the release because, well, I don’t know, why not I guess.

Annie Mac is launching a new club night called Before Midnight that will take place, well, you know, before midnight, so you can all be fast asleep in bed by 1am at the very very very latest.And while this was all formally announced on social media in among everyone’s April Fool posts on Friday morning, Mac’s new venture is no joke, and is based on the almost certainly accurate premise that there are people out there who like clubbing but who don’t particularly like the super late nights that many clubbing experiences involve.Explaining the rationale for Before Midnight, Mac said: “I know there’s an appetite for it because I’ve had so many messages from you who’ve grown up with me and listened to me on the radio every Friday night, who adore the clubbing experience but don’t want to wait until 1am to see me play, who need to be sharp and useful at the weekends and just can’t afford sleepless nights”.She added: “Before Midnight is a chance for me to play long DJ sets with all my favourite records, those ones that spark joy, and a chance for you to have all the fun, the euphoria and the wild abandon you need and STILL get a good night’s sleep”.The first edition of Before Midnight will take place at London’s Islington Assembly Hall on 20 May with Mac on the decks supported by Melle Brown.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Orlando Weeks and House Gospel Choir added to the line-up.Wilderness Festival 2022 will take place at Cornbury Park near Charlbury, Oxfordshire between August 4 and August 7. Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be opening the main stage on Friday, August 5 with former Maccabees frontman Orlando Weeks performing in the same slot on the Saturday and House Gospel Choir on the Sunday.The event will be headlined by Underworld, Years & Years and Jungle.​​Elsewhere, there’ll be performances from Roisin Murphy, Willie J Healey, Billie Marten, Pip Blom, Craig Charles, Peggy Gou, Jordan Rakei, Gabriels and more across the weekend.Additionally, Wilderness has confirmed a schedule of feasting and dining experiences as well as a programme of talks, ideas and spoken word events from the likes of Russell Kane and actor/comedian Michelle De Swarte.Tickets are on sale now and available here.A post shared by Wilderness Festival (@wildernesshq)Weeks released his second solo album earlier this year.

The National have announced a special show in Manchester for this summer – tickets will be available from here.The band last performed in the UK as part of their ‘I Am Easy To Find’ tour in December 2019, and are set to return with appearances at All Points East in London and Connect Festival in Edinburgh this August.Last week, they confirmed a run of 2022 North American headline dates. “The last couple years have given us ample time for reflection and rejuvenation,” they wrote to announce the concerts.

Good Morning Britain viewers were treated to a new presenting duo as a fresh week began. Those tuning into the ITV news programme on Monday (April 4) were greeted by Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway.

Countryfile star Helen Skelton always wows fans with her incredible outfit choices, and it was no different on Sunday when she stepped out for her son Louis' fifth birthday bash.MORE: Helen Skelton reveals the big impact her surprising childhood home had on herTaking to her Instagram, the mum-of-three showcased the epic costume party but we couldn't help but notice how fabulous she looked as she sported a vibrant cherry red jumpsuit.WATCH: Helen's baby daughter gave her a moment to rememberOn her Instagram Stories, the 38-year-old shared a group shot from the day, with her best friends who attended the party. On the photo, she wrote: "Got me some good girls," with a red love heart.RELATED: Helen Skelton looks ahead to 'next pregnancy' in social media postREAD: Helen Skelton reveals hilarious insight into parenting her young sonHelen was standing in the middle of the group and pulled focus for all the right reasons as she matched the gorgeous red all-in-one with a chic, light-pink jumper and completed the look with some white converse.A post shared by Helen Skelton (@helenskelton)Helen held an exciting garden party for her son LouisThe former Blue Peter presenter also posted a collection of snaps from the exciting day on her Instagram feed which showed Louis, who was dressed as Peter Pan, having a fantastic time.Captioning the post, she wrote: "This is 5, hook a duck and bat a rat… Making the most of the days before he insists on laser quest.

Rose Ayling-Ellis is rumoured to be tipped for an MBE from the Queen after her dedication to raising awareness of the deaf community. The 27 year old was the first deaf contestant to appear on Strictly Come Dancing and even went on to win the show – and the hearts of viewers after her outstanding performances. The actress, who is best known for her role as Frankie Lewis on EastEnders, has made a lasting impression on fans, with many even taking up sign language as a result.

Love Island star Jessica Hayes has been taken to hospital and hooked up to a drip after she contracted an infection.The star had suffered from increasing pain and swelling in her finger after she made a visit to a local nail salon for false nails a day earlier.The 27 year old reality TV beauty, who recently found love again after the devastating split from her fiancé eight months earlier, then noticed it was getting worse around her cuticle, soon getting shooting pains down her arm. Jess shared a video explaining the traumatic moment from her hospital bed on Sunday, April 3. "So the doctors on this morning and I've got two options, I could either have my nail completely off," she began in the clip to her fans.

“Historic Collaboration” From India’s Zee And Mexico’s TelevisaUnivision

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefBanijay has picked up multi-territory format rights to two Korean reality shows which it will begin pitching this week at the MipTV market in Cannes.From Korean broadcaster and producer MBC, Banijay has picked up format rights to competition show “Bloody Game” in France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands. From CJ ENM, it has acquired rights in the Nordics, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Australia to relationship format, “EXchange.”“Bloody Game” launched in Korea in November last year, helping draw subscribers to Wavve, a joint venture streaming platform, in which MBC is a partner. The show is nominated for a C21 Format Award, with the winner revealed during MipTV.

A drunk young woman who knocked a 58-year-old man unconscious in a horrific attack has been cleared of his death.

J K Rowling is back to spreading harmful transphobic rhetoric and the LGBTQI community has responded saying she does not speak for them. The hashtag JKRowlingDoesntSpeakForMe was trending on social media following the author’s claim that “lesbians are under attack”.Trigger Warning: This story has details of homophobic and transphobic language, which might be distressing to some readers. For 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.JK Rowling attempts to speak on behalf of a minority community that she isn’t part of, while sending “big love” to those who consider being gay to be a sin #JKDoesntSpeakForMe https://t.co/Rp79g0RxsK pic.twitter.com/ObL0VSxELp— Benjamin Cohen (@benjamincohen) March 13, 2022Strarmer’s comment was seized upon by Rowling to post transphobic rhetoric.

J K Rowling is back to spreading harmful transphobic rhetoric and the LGBTQI community has responded saying she does not speak for them. The hashtag JKRowlingDoesntSpeakForMe was trending on social media following the author’s claim that “lesbians are under attack”.Trigger Warning: This story has details of homophobic and transphobic language, which might be distressing to some readers. For 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.JK Rowling attempts to speak on behalf of a minority community that she isn’t part of, while sending “big love” to those who consider being gay to be a sin #JKDoesntSpeakForMe https://t.co/Rp79g0RxsK pic.twitter.com/ObL0VSxELp— Benjamin Cohen (@benjamincohen) March 13, 2022Strarmer’s comment was seized upon by Rowling to post transphobic rhetoric.

By Dr Clifford Lewis and Kevin MarkwellIn 1985, calls for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to be cancelled in response to concerns about HIV/AIDS were successfully countered by the organisers. The parade is now recognised as an important way of creating awareness of safe-sex practices, reducing the social stigma of HIV/AIDS and being a living memorial to those who died from it. In 2020, like many other major events, the Mardi Gras parade became a victim of another virus: COVID-19.

The country's largest 'male-only sauna' is less than 20 miles away from Manchester - and it's up for sale.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras chief executive Albert Kruger has called for a full NSW police investigation into the circumstances that led to the ejection of one of the original ‘78ers Barbara Karpinski from her seat in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday night. He has also initiated an internal Mardi Gras investigation. Kruger told the Star Observer that he is in no doubt that the incident happened. He said that the police action was “unacceptable” and that he is “upset about it to be honest”. Karpinski was removed after standing briefly in the stadium seating area holding a handmade poster calling for peace and an end to the war in Ukraine.

2 min read The Sydney Cricket Ground was awash in a vibrant display of pride and self-expression on Saturday night as the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade united LGBTQIA+ communities from all over Australia.

This Saturday, March 5, the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the second year in a row.  In order to attend, visitors will have to pay for a ticket, which has raised equity concerns among members of Sydney’s LGBTQI Communities. The Parade was free to attend when it was held along  Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. Wei Thai-Haynes, a member of the SGLMG Board and activist group Pride in Protest, told Star Observer that “Mardi Gras should be free and accessible to all those who wish to attend.

For the last week, Sydney has been hit with what seems like a never-ending deluge of torrential rain, and it isn’t over yet.With the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade happening this Saturday, many in the community are wondering what this will mean for the festivities and celebrations at the  Sydney Cricket Grounds.File photo of the Sydney Mardi Gras 2021 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Photo: Ann-Marie CalilhannaWell, rest assured.