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SYDNEY was a spectacle of colour, costume and sequins last night as the gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade made its way down Oxford Street. More than 300,000 revellers watched the parade of 9000 people wind its way towards the city to celebrate Sydney's 32nd Mardi Gras festival.

There were many Lady Gaga and George Michael look-a-likes and floats from the state Police Force, Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade, Surf Life Saving Australia, the Australian Defence Force, ANZ, Virgin Blue and Taronga Zoo were among 116 in the parade.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore sat in the back of a grey convertible with fellow City of Sydney councillor Philip Black.

The dazzling parade was led by US transsexual performer Amanda Lepore, a singer, model and actress best-known for her work with M.A.C cosmetics.

Asked how she felt to lead Sydney's parade, Lepore said: "I'm honoured - it feels fantastic. Sydney is a very warm and really friendly place".

The Histories of the World theme saw performers dressed as Elton John, Queen Elizabeth, Marlene Dietrich and Joan of Arc. One of the most popular floats was the Fire Brigade's with a huge contingent of fire fighters dancing to a song with the lyrics "he's a fire man."

A noticeable absentee this year was the Animal Liberation float, excluded because it was deemed "not queer enough" by organiser, New Mardi Gras.

The event has been criticised by some for having too many corporate floats.

The NSW Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt and her husband, Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, marched in the parade last night.