Bob Downe is a Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras icon
He's done eight Mardi Gras broadcasts and 25 parades, but Bob Downe is ready to camp it up all over again.
"Bob Downe" is ready to party at the 2010 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Again.
The camp-tastic performer is one of six commentators for the broadcast which will beam the glitzy parade live into living rooms across the country via Arena.
Downe is a regular fixture on the Mardi Gras calendar, not just performing his show in the festival, but in commentating the parade for television.
"I've done about eight broadcasts and about 25 parades. It's all a blur. A rainbow blur!" he says. "My best memory is marching on foot with my babydyke niece and her GF playing my SecuriDykes! The crowd was terrified of 'em! The worst memory was forgetting my sunnies for the party morning after. Yikes!"
Downe will be joined by the beloved Molly Meldrum, Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson, former Good News Week panellist and Mardi Gras veteran Julie McCrossin, Australian Idol's Ricki-Lee Coulter and Sydney drag diva Mitzi Macintosh.
"I adore them all. Especially Molly, who's a family aunt of mine," he laughs.
And while 10,000 revellers squeeze into lycra and don elaborate costumes for the 2km route, Downe isn't giving away what retro outfit he will be donning.
"It's a top secret, natch, but something off the shoulder and cut on the bias I think. With a sweetheart neckline. No, wait a mini. That's my wedding dress!"
Arena's coverage will feature behind-the-scenes interviews with some of the creative forces behind the parade and float designers, many of whom represent some of the different community groups from across Australia.
Downe says the messages behind Mardi Gras are still important, particularly for those who are unable to attend the big night in person.
"Every young emerging gay person still thinks they're the only one in the whole world. There's huge power and joy knowing you're part of a historically invisible tribe. Invisible until Stonewall, anyway."
In 1978, Mardi Gras emerged after a local parade in support of the Stonewall Riots in the US was shut down by Sydney police. The anarchy led to what we now recognise as Mardi Gras, albeit with a few more sequins.
As Downe says, you can never have too many dancing Kylies, Ab Fab Patsies, Dykes on Bikes and Asian Dancing Boys.
"Perhaps at a bah mitzvah or the opening of Parliament -- but even then it's a borderline call."
Finally, for any first-time attendees, Bob Downe offers a tip for your very own Mardi Gras Survival Kit.
"Good solid shoes for dancing and walking. A safe spot for keys and phone. And those SUNNIES!"
The 2010 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade airs live 7:30pm AEDT Saturday on Arena.
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