Mardi Gras 2023

The colourful sights and lively sounds of Mardi Gras returned for another year, once again bringing a variety of entertainment and special food options, although 2023 saw the event focused on Food Street in front of The Towers.

Entertainment

Key to creating the feel-good atmosphere of Mardi Gras were the flamboyantly-dressed ‘Krewes’ – teams of entertainers that each take inspiration from an area of the theme park. Found on Towers Street in the morning and along Food Street during the day, they then returned to Towers Street via a walking parade around the lake at the end of the day. The 2023 Krewes included:

• Towers Street Krewe
• Katanga Krewe
• Mutiny Bay Krewe
• Forbidden Valley Krewe
• Voodoo Krewe (Fountain Square)

Just off from Food Street, a stage next to the lake, in front of the Towers, was host to a variety of live vocalists and musicians. In addition, a second smaller stage near Spinball Whizzer was also host to a range of acts.

Food & Drink

The other key element of Mardi Gras is the additional food options. In 2023, stalls included:

• Deli – serving a choice of handmade sandwiches
• New Orleans Po’Boys – served alongside chips
• Jambalaya Creek – choose from jambalaya, gumbo and mac ‘n cheese
• High Noon Smokery – serving burgers, pulled pork and ribs with a South American BBQ flavour
• King Cakes, Doughnuts and Ice Cream – serving traditional Mardi Gras King Cake and other speciality doughnuts
• Café Beignet – choose between chocolate-filled beignets or traditional ring donuts
• Coffee & Crepe Van – serving a choice of both sweet and savoury crepes
• Slush Cocktails – a choice of alcoholic frozen cocktails as well as mocktails
• Mardi Bar (Food Street) – after purchasing a drink from the bar on the ground floor, enjoy the view from the seating area on the second storey
• Mardi Bar (French Quarter) – serving a small selection of refreshing beverages