Solotel goes to the Queens this Mardi Gras
8 February 2021
Solotel Group is turning up the dial on this year’s Mardi Gras to make 2021 one of its best celebrations ever. Kings Cross Hotel, Bank Hotel, Clock Hotel, Darlo Bar, Marly, and Paddo Inn are all set to be the places to party in the Cross, Newtown, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and Paddington. From renaming Kings Cross Hotel to Queens Cross Hotel and having some of Sydney’s favourite queens take over entire levels to RuPaul trivia and a raft of DJs and entertainment throughout the two-week celebration – there’s something for everyone this Mardi Gras.
QUEENS CROSS HOTEL, KINGS CROSS
This Mardi Gras, Kings Cross Hotel will again become Queens Cross Hotel with the help of its fabulous drag queen friends, Miss Danni Issues and The Liquor Sisters. As well as the exterior of the venue becoming Queens Cross Hotel, these Queens Of The X will be styling an entire floor each, putting their personal touch on the spaces in both design and entertainment.
Come boogie with Danni Issues in her Studio 54-inspired "Danni's Disco" on balcony level 2, or have a gossip and schooner of Pure Blonde outside the The Liquor Sisters’ trailer in their "Trailer Trash But Make It Fashion"-inspired ground floor takeover. Catch all the parade action on the big screens live and loud and you could be in with a chance to win tickets in the post parade performance at QXH’s parade party followed by "The Ladies Of The 80's" drag show presented by The Queens Of The X. The whole of QXH will be celebrating long into the night with fantastic DJs and Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails.
What: Queens Cross Hotel
Where: Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Kings Cross
When: 15 February – 15 March
EVERYBODY SAYS LOVE AT THE BANK, NEWTOWN
The Bank on King Street in Newtown is throwing the Queen of all Mardi Gras parties to celebrate its diverse and beautiful LGBTQIA+ community. There’s a raft of queer festivities throughout the month-long celebration.
Kicking off on Sunday 21 February, The Bank hosts its very own Mardi Gras Fair Day featuring an array of drag queens including Amber Rosé, Danni Issues, Dominique Topp, Kara Devine, Yazz Queen and more, Pure Blonde tinnie tray raffles, as well as DJ Sveta & friends from 2pm until late. On 28 February, local plant enthusiasts ‘Plant Daddy’ host their second Green Queens event - a DIY plant-potting and terrarium-making masterclass hosted by everyone's favourite siblings: The Liquor Sisters. Then, RuPaul tragics can put their knowledge to the test as The Liquor Sisters host RuPaul Trivia on 3 March at 7pm.
On Mardi Gras parade night, catch all the action live on every screen in the venue as well as a large projector screen in the beer garden. Drag queens and DJs will keep the party going well into the night.
From 21 February through to 6 March, $1 from every Pure Blonde schooner sold will be donated to ACON.
What: Mardi Gras Season at The Bank
Where: The Bank, 324 King Street, Newtown
When: 21 February – 6 March
 
THE CLOCK HOTEL, SURRY HILLS
In Surry Hills, The Clock is getting all nostalgic for this year’s Mardi Gras exhibiting all the Australian Mardi Gras posters from the many years of this annual celebration. Stroll through the venue’s multiple levels and bask in the beautiful and evolving artwork that has shaped many Mardi Gras celebrations.
The Poor Tom’s pop up will serve delicious cocktails to complement the roster of DJ’s that have been spinning The Clock’s favourite party tunes over many Mardi Gras seasons.
See the full line up below:
• Friday 19 February: Ruby J & Sara Roberts
• Saturday 20 February: Sila & Robbie Rommers
• FAIR DAY Sunday 21 February: Danny Clayton & Ugo B
• Friday 5 March: Banquet DJ’s & Thomas Josef
• MARDI GRAS Saturday 6 March: Isy Isy & Kate Monroe + Guests
• RECOVERY SUNDAY 7 March: Alex Taylor + YN
The Clock is collaborating with The Surry Hills Creative Precinct, joining in on its picnic celebration over the Mardi Gras main weekend, 6 and 7 March. This will be hosted in the courtyard during the day.
Throughout the two weeks, The Clock will donate $1 from every Pure Blond sold to ACON.
What: Mardi Gras at The Clock
Where: The Clock, 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills
When: 19 February – 7 March
THE MARLY, NEWTOWN
So, the official Fair Day is cancelled, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be celebrated. Head to the Marly on Sunday 21 February from 3pm to celebrate what would have been the annual Fair Day with The Dollar Bin Darlings and The Bottom Dollar Buddies.
Mardi Gras night will be a little different this year, but this won't stop the celebrations. The Marly’s parade night is curated by Sveta and there’ll be a fabulous line up of DJs including Sheba Williams, Felicia Foxx, Ms Burley Chasis, Slaysians, and Dyan Tai from 8pm (until the early hours of Sunday) sure to bring that sparkle.
Finish up with Recovery Sunday on 7 March. Get in for the ultimate backyard pool party hosted by the fabulous Liquor Sisters. Joining in on the party will be DJ’s Tyoow & Smithers. There’s an awesome line up of DJs and a whole lot of fun to be had.
Throughout the two weeks, The Marly will donate $1 from every Pure Blond sold to Twenty10.
What: Mardi Gras at The Marly
Where: Marlborough Hotel, 145 King Street, Newtown
When: 19 February – 7 March
DARLO BAR, DARLINGHURST
This parade day watch the parade on big screens in public bar and the on the rooftop live and loud. Drag king Marlena Dali and Cherry Kills take over Darlo Bar as your hosts with live performances followed by Darlo DJs.
What: Rise And Shine Parade Watching Party
Where: Darlo Bar, 306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
When: 6 March
Time: 5pm - late
PADDO INN, PADDINGTON
Paddo Inn will also screen the Mardi Gras parade live and loud on screens throughout the venue.
What: Parade watch party
Where: Paddo Inn, 338 Oxford Street, Paddington
When: 6 March
Time: 5pm - late