MardiGrass continues the war on prohibition

Highlights of the first day were the opening ceremony, a fashion parade, Suppositorium, comedy, and cabaret.

The Great Green Cabaret features the Trombone Kellie Gang and Zanna Black trio from Brisbane, singers Kaj Totoro and Nimbin's own Brommers, dance ensemble the Shiva Shimmer Squad, Nimbin Ganja Faeries, plus fantastic pole dancer Raha Star, stand up comedian Greg Sullivan and Jaardu the Magic of India, poet Peter Lino, aerialist Hartje and poet/host David Hallett.

On Saturday, highlights include the Hemp Olympix, Kombi Konvoy, and various information sessions.

Sunday will see a continuation of events, and features the signature MardiGrass Parade.

The main message of the event is to support the decriminalisation of cannabis.

The president of the Legalise Cannabis Party, Michael Balderstone, said he was heartened to see so many jurisdictions legalising cannabis, including Germany in April, and he hoped Australia would soon catch up.

"The world has changed a lot in 30 years, as has Nimbin, but we still have annual helicopter raids in northern NSW, and we are not allowed to grow our own plants," he said.

"Add that to the disgusting and completely unfair saliva testing of drivers, and there is a lot to protest about. We do our best at MardiGrass to make it an enjoyable and fun protest. There is comedy galore, we need it in the face of so much nonsense."

State MPs, from one of Australia's fastest growing political parties Legalise Cannabis will be at MardiGrass.

Victorian crossbenchers Rachel Payne and David Ettershank will join their New South Wales counterpart, Jeremy Buckingham, and Western Australian MPs Brian Walker and Sophia Moermond.

"Our message - legalise now. At a time when police resources are scarce, it's outrageous that our police and courts are prosecuting cannabis offences. What we need off the street is violent offenders, not people consuming cannabis," Ms Payne said.