New Zealand's Sky TV network says it will provide viewers with a front row seat to the 2009 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade with a live pay-per-view special on Saturday 7 March, from 9.30pm NZ time. Eye-candy: Sydney Mardi Gras live in your lounge? The three-hour coverage on the Sky Box Office Channel 200 will be the biggest outside broadcast of the street parade and festival in Mardi Gras' 31-year history. Hosting the show will be Australia's Next Top Model judges Charlotte Dawson and Alex Perry, along with air hostess to the stars Pam Ann and other special guests. The parade has an unrivalled reputation for glitz, glamour, satire and sass and is the peak of the 2009 Mardi Gras Festival. As a major highlight of Sydney's entertainment calendar, over half a million spectators from all across the globe will pack the streets to witness and be a part of the 'one of a kind' event. Eight cameras will be positioned along the 2km parade route which starts at Sydney's Museum station - where all the pre parade frivolity will be shown like never before. As the colourful spectacle continues up Oxford Street, the live-to-air program will capture all the sequin-spangled glamour of eye-catching floats and more than 10,000 performers. With a VIP view of the entire evening, Pam Ann will open the balcony doors at her very own private party at Mardi Gras' hot spot Kinsella's Bar and will be providing regular updates on all the fabulousness surrounding her. The TV event will also include a behind-the-scenes look at how the world-famous parade is put together. Interviews with designers and float creators will give an insight into the hours of work that culminate in the massive celebratory cultural event. The parade will feature Australian Olympian Matthew Mitcham, who won a gold medal for diving in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. As Chief of Parade, Mitcham will lead the 31st Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and appear exclusively. Mitcham says: "It's a real honour to be asked to lead the Parade. Mardi Gras has an illustrious history and I'm really proud to now be part of that. There is such a huge buzz in the city on Parade night and it really does bring the whole city together. I am really excited to be right in the middle of the action." Sky's coverage of Sydney's Mardi Gras is available for a flat rate of $15. SKY Digital users can go to Channel 200 and follow the on-screen prompts, and MY SKY users can press the 'Box Office' button on your remote and follow the on-screen prompts. Sky TV can be contacted by phoning 0800 759 777.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Thursday, 26th February 2009 - 3:10pm