Confetti, glitter and rainbow flags have flown at another year of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras as thousands turned out to support inclusion, diversity and queer culture.
Among a sea of leather, glitter, sequins and sparkles, the spirit of protest was also present, with keffiyehs and pro-Palestinian signs featuring in the parade.
The 78ers — who took part in the very first parade — held a large banner that read "Stop Police Attacks on Gays, Women and Blacks".
They were cheered on as they marched along streets that have this week been added to Australia’s National Heritage List in recognition of queer history and culture.
Groups representing rainbow families, transgender people, queer people living with disability, unions, government departments, health organisations and LGBTQI choirs were among the 170 floats that filled the route with colour, music and choreography.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn't march this year but other political faces including Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, NSW independent Alex Greenwich and federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek joined the march along the 1.3km route through Darlinghurst.
Dykes on Bikes showed off their love of motorcycles with the crowd matching their revs with screams and roars as they drove past.
A special netball-themed tribute was held for actor Magda Szubanski, who recently announced she is in remission after receiving treatment for blood cancer.
The parade featured its signature elaborate and creative costumes, and a multitude of floats and groups marching along Oxford Street.
Amid the celebrations, the night was not without controversy, with an activist group told its float would be banned from the parade less than 24 hours before the event.
Mardi Gras organisers told the Pride in Protest group it could not participate due to its social media conduct.
Its members have previously marched alongside a float under the banner "No Pride in Genocide" in reference to the conflict in Gaza.
But recent posts on social media directed at a Jewish LGBTQI group were deemed to have breached the parade's code of conduct.
Marchers in other floats carried signs from Pride in Protest that said, "We support protest. We oppose genocide."
NSW police assistant commissioner Stephen Hegarty praised crowd behaviour and said there were no significant arrests made as part of the public safety operation.
"We were pleased to see people celebrating safely and respectfully," he said in a statement.
“Most people were well-behaved, followed the directions of authorities, looked after each other and got home safely."
Four people, who were previously removed from participating in the parade, were arrested for a breach of the peace on Liverpool Street, Sydney.
— With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
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