SBS 2 has gained the exclusive rights to broadcast Sydney’s 2014 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Capturing the Mardi Gras parade on the evening of Sunday March 2 in a special event broadcast, this will be the first time in 12 years this event has been broadcast on free-to-air television.

Viewers at home will have the best seat in the house, no more paying $10 for a milk crate to see above the crowds with the broadcast showing the best of the parade, the spectacular floats and outrageous costumes.

“Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic Australian cultural event, which celebrates diversity,” Michael Ebeid, SBS managing director, said.

In bringing this year’s event free-to-air to all Australians, SBS is delivering on its purpose to encourage all Australians to understand, appreciate and celebrate diversity and in doing so, contributing to social cohesion.

“SBS strives to act as a catalyst to encourage national conversations about social inclusion and we’re thrilled to have Mardi Gras as part of our programming line-up for 2014.”

The 36^th anniversary of the world’s largest LGBTQI celebration runs from February 7 to March 2 with a huge array of events, shows and celebrations.