Fridae

The organisers of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the world's biggest gay and lesbian festivals, has been ordered to sell all of its assets in order to pay off some of its US$250,000 debt it owes to creditors.

The 25-year-old Mardi Gras announced a month ago that it was going into voluntary administration because of the debts, and now organisers say it will be a struggle to try to save the event. Its directors have been given until Oct. 1 to get the world's most famous gay festival in order.

"Obviously we've tried quite a few avenues to date, and they haven't been successful, so we now have to look at another way of trying to attract some funds to put back to the creditors," said Mardi Gras President Julie Regan.

Regan says the organisation's directors will meet over the coming days to discuss its options and determine their next move.

The administrator appointed by the creditors, Scott Pascoe, said that a company that had offered financial sponsorship withdrew its offer earlier this week.

He said that until a new source of financing is found, he has ordered a sale of all of the Mardi Gras assets, including its offices, equipment, and even its trademark.

For now, the popular Sleaze Ball, which has been licensed to Sydney Pride Centre, will go ahead. The Mardi Gras will receive some of the profits of the event which is usually held annually in October.