Darlinghurst will burst into life from 24 February to 5 March with pop-up dining, free performances and street parties for Sydney WorldPride's festival hub, Pride Villages.
Crown and Riley Streets will be reimagined with vibrant dining and bar stalls and live performances by local and international artists. For Sydney WorldPride's final weekend on 4-5 March, Oxford Street will be transformed into a street party to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin said the Pride Villages would create vibrant hubs where all are welcome to celebrate the largest Pride festival in the world.
"The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is a proud delivery partner of Sydney WorldPride and we welcome everyone to the Pride Villages to take the rainbow-coloured party to the streets for WorldPride," Mr Franklin said.
"Pride Villages will create a vibrant festival atmosphere, giving an expected 78,000 visitors to Sydney free and open spaces to gather, celebrate and enjoy the festival.
"Sydney WorldPride 2023 will showcase NSW to the world and we're anticipating more than 500,000 people will attend this global event which will inject $112 million into the NSW economy.
"Sydney will be buzzing with excitement and activity which will turbocharge our 24-hour economy, create jobs and support local businesses across our State."
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said a lot of work has gone into maximising the positive experience for those celebrating WorldPride in Sydney, while minimising the impact on the broader community.
"Incredible pictures of 50,000 people marching across our iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge will be beamed across the world on 5 March, thanks to extensive planning," Mrs Ward said.
"We need drivers to work with us and prepare for the closure of the Harbour Bridge as well as the changes to Oxford St and surrounding roads through the World Pride event.
"Where possible people should use the extra train, light rail and bus services on offer and motorists should check Live Traffic to ensure this event is as amazing as it can be for everyone."
Sydney WorldPride Chief Executive Kate Wickett said Pride Villages would be at the heart of Sydney WorldPride, taking place in the spiritual home of Sydney's LGBTQIA+ community.
"Pride Villages is the realisation of a vision we have had from the outset - to bring together the LGBTQIA+ community, Sydneysiders, visitors, businesses and performers, in an inclusive experience for everyone."
More information on the Sydney WorldPride program can be found at www.sydneyworldpride.com.
For information on public transport for Sydney WorldPride, including extra services and trip planning, visit transportnsw.info, and for information on road closures and changed traffic conditions, visit livetraffic.com.
