Mardi Gras 2014: how to build a gay pride parade – in pictures

(L-r) Christine Lindsay, Amanda Lockton and Chelsea Wills go to work on their creation. Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Mirror balls line the floors of the Mardi Gras workshop in Rosebery, waiting to be mounted into place on the floats Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

The giant mirror ball is lifted into place on the ANZ float Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Students at Macquarie Grammar school apply the finishing touches to their Mardi Gras float decorations and rehearse their routine for the parade tomorrow. Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Colourful, glittery signs and banners with darker undertones Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Members of the Metropolitan Community Church float rehearse their dance routine to 'Living on a Prayer' in preparation for Saturday's parade
Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

The finishing touches are applied to the Strictly Ballroom float Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Glitter is blown everywhere around the workshop area by staff, for fun as well as for float preparation Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Parade performers rehearse in the 'send back the boats' floats Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Workshop staff coat the float signs in glitter Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

The giant puppet head, part of the 'To Russia with Love' float aims to send a strong message to Vladimir Putin this year Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

The Glamazon All Stars, who have a Russian-themed float 'To Russia with Love', rehearse in Harmony Park
Photograph: Anna Kucera/The Guardian

The Glamazon All Stars practice in their Russian outfits
Photograph: Anna Kucera for the Guardian

Glitter coats the floor of the workshop area in Rosebery Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Workshop staff line up the mirrors on the Strictly Ballroom float Photograph: Anna Kucera/Guardian Australia

Workshop staff apply the final touches to the wings of the Strictly Ballroom Float Photograph: Anna Kucera/Anna Kucera

Students at Macquarie Grammar school rehearse their routine for the parade Photograph: Anna Kucera/Anna Kucera

Parade participants practice their steps
Photograph: Anna Kucera/The Guardian