Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival comes to a close after memorable run

The Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival Committee has announced the beloved community event will not return, citing increasing difficulty in securing sponsorship and grant funding as the primary reason for the decision.

Since the first parade in 2019, Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras has been a vibrant celebration of inclusivity, pride, and community spirit. From local families lining Baylis Street to visitors travelling from across the Riverina and beyond, the festival has created unforgettable memories and left a lasting mark on the cultural fabric of Wagga Wagga.

Festival founder Holly Conroy said the committee was incredibly appreciative of the many supporters who brought the event to life. “We’d like to thank our biggest supporters, Charles Sturt University, Tilly’s, and Wagga Wagga City Council, for all their support over the lifetime of the event, in addition to all our sponsors and supporters,” Ms Conroy said.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, and we hope the next generation will step up to build on the legacy we’ve created. “Thank you to the people of Wagga Wagga for opening your hearts to the rainbow community; we hope your hearts will always stay open and you continue to embrace diversity in all its forms.”

While this marks the end of a significant chapter, the committee remains hopeful that the spirit of Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras will continue to inspire future community events and initiatives celebrating inclusion and equality.