Hollywood superstar Lily Tomlin will be amongst the thousands who will be sashaying their way up Oxford and Flinders Streets on March 5th for the 2011 Mardi Gras Parade.

The gay comedienne and actor, who starred in the blockbuster movie Nine to Five, has promised a spectacular costume for her first-ever appearance at the Parade.

Tomlin will be amongst a number of high-profile gay people who will be leading the Parade this year, rather than having a single Chief of Parade as in recent years.

New Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik said: “We are so excited that Lily will be joining us in this year’s Parade. It’s an honour to be able to welcome to our celebration such a stellar actor – and one who has had the courage to come out in an industry that is not always welcoming to GLBTQ people.”

Other names joining Lily in this section of the Parade will be confirmed in the coming weeks – watch this space for further announcements