Following the announcement of W Hotels as a major partner of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras for the second year, W Hotels are upping the ante with the help of Aussie icons, old and new, to encourage Australians to rise the challenge to love out loud.
Ahead of getting the party started at the iconic parade’s new home at the SCG on March 6, W Hotels will put their own signature cheeky twist on Australia’s much-loved Mr Whippy van which will wander the streets of Sydney to kick off the festivities, popping up at iconic Sydney locations for one day only.
Bringing the parade to the people, W’s Witty & Whippy van will be serving up complimentary soft serve waffle cones in 2 limited edition W x Mardi Gras flavours to the public on Saturday February 27 at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, The Coogee Rainbow Walkway at Coogee Beach and the renowned Mardi Gras Workshop for those creating the magic behind the scenes.
Consumers will get their pick of two nostalgic flavours, the Rainbow Rise featuring a classic waffle cone, vanilla soft serve and rainbow sprinkles, and the Love Out Loud, with a vibrant red velvet waffle cone and vanilla soft serve oozing with strawberry sauce and tutti frutti popcorn pieces. Lucky consumers will also scan a QR code to sign up as a Marriott Bonvoy member and go into the draw to win a 2-night staycation at any W Hotel around Australia.
W Hotels have also ru-vealed that Australia’s sweetheart and drag queen superstar Courtney Act will pay a visit to W’s nostalgia-rebooted take on the infamous Mr Whippy van at the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, putting a fresh spin on the original Greensleeves track that Australian’s know and love by lending her iconic vocals to drag queen DJ-duo Jawbreaker’s edgy remix.
Joining thousands of revellers for Sydney’s biggest night, the W Hotels float designed by 160over90 will march amongst 130 dazzling floats, hosting a range of talent from the LGBTQI community; from The Amazing Race’s Tim and Rod to TikTok sensation and composer Samantha Andrew who will be choreographed by the esteemed New Ground Collective.
“Inclusivity and equality and that sense of acceptance remains at the core of the W DNA, our doors at W Hotels are always open to all” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific – Marriott International. “We are excited to participate again in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and continue to strive to be global leaders in promoting diversity, inclusion, equality and social justice through culture and creativity. I am beyond excited to see Witty & Whippy van and campaign come to life, with co-workers, guests and friends of the brand marching, dancing and loving out loud and proud.”
To celebrate Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2021, Marriott’s Pier One Sydney Harbour will offer exclusive Mardi Gras packages, that include sold-out tickets to the event at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Package details available at Pier One Sydney Harbour’s website.
Known for defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury, W Brisbane opened its doors in June 2018, with W Melbourne following suit in February 2021, and W Sydney in 2022.
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