Mardi Gras has always been one of my favourite times of year. Between 2014-2019 I excitedly arrived at Hyde Park hours before the festival started, watching and photographing as the parade peeps were gathering. As the day started to turn to night, I’d move into the backstreets, wandering around, talking to the spectators, and capturing all the life and excitement at the parties next to the party - the side streets of Crown, Bourke, Riley and more.

In 2022, as the parade itself moves to the Sydney Showgrounds, I’m exhibiting the photos of some of my favourite memories from when the party was in the streets. Not with photos of the parade itself, but of the revellers having fun, spreading love and being a small part of something big.

Abstract Thoughts Gallery, 197 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
March 2nd to 7th. 12pm - 6pm.
@andybraithwaite