Mardi Gras Costumes by Richard Winsbury

	Click thumbnails for larger picture in new browser window.
	Photographs of costumes from the 2000 Mardi Gras, called "2003 and a bit"(spacey/bizarre theme) and "Before 2000"(Egyptian theme).
	The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras started in 1978 and Richard Winsbury has been making Mardi Gras costumes and walking in the parade since 1983.
	The parade is in the evening and a large dance party follows, finishing the following morning.
	About 600,000 people now line the parade route to watch the spectacle, normally held in late February or early March (summer) and the parade is televised and watched around the world.
	Richard makes the costumes for himself and for a group of his friends and usually spends 4-6 weeks making the costumes for each Mardi Gras although he has managed to make some in less than 2 days!
	Most of the costumes are worn but some are so large as to need wheels.
	In recent years Richard has been entering the Costume Pageant at the Mardi Gras party and frequently wins either the best male costume or the best group. Hover over thumbnail for costume details.
	Richard cannot advise you of costume makers in other cities or countries, but can make costumes in Sydney, charging at an hourly rate.