Ministry of Sound Sydney: Thousands dance the night away at iconic techno festival

Iconic British techno pioneers Ministry of Sound blasted their way through Sydney, allowing older clubbers to relive their glory days and nights while showing some youngsters what all the fuss was about.

Former politicians, actors and reality stars joined the crowd of ravers who attended the London-based club empire’s Testament shows, which promised to revive the “legend of ’90s and ’00s club culture.”

Thousands of ravers flocked to the dance extravaganza that took place on Saturday and Sunday at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney.

The fast-paced revelers mostly chose between stealthy all-black outfits or bright fluorescent colors.

Police kept a close eye on ravers randomly searching attendees for drugs or prohibited items.

Some people were in the party mood long before they got to the Testament event.

For some Ministry of Sound partygoers, it all seemed like too much at times.

Among those who attended the first session of the slam fest was the perhaps unlikely figure of former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

While he might have preferred to party in the Big Apple, denied the opportunity when he quit a $500,000 commercial job in New York last year, Barilaro seemed excited to step into the dance arena.

The 51-year-old router spent some time adjusting his black jacket over a white T-shirt with the monochrome color scheme replicated by his black jeans and bright white sneakers.

He walked in with his partner Jennifer Lugsdin, who was wearing a white fur coat over a black minidress.

After a public backlash surrounding the fact that he got the New York publication after leaving politics, Barilaro made headlines again for all the wrong reasons when he fell out with a freelance cameraman in July 2022.

Following the incident, which occurred outside a Manly restaurant on Sydney’s northern beaches, Barilaro’s lawyer, Danny Eid, applied to Sydney Downing Town Center Local Court to hear his charges on mental health grounds.

Australia’s Next Top Model star Charlie Austin looks ready to move at Sound Testament Ministry event

Austin enjoys a cigarette outside the Ministry of Sound with his new boyfriend Poata Okeroa

Former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, along with his partner, Jennifer Lugsdin, were among those in attendance at the Ministry of Sound party on Saturday night in Sydney.

Mr. Barilaro adjusts his jacket as he prepares to enter the Sound Testament Ministry event with Ms. Ludsdin

Police were present at the Sound Testament Ministry event held at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Judge Susan Horan granted the request after “compelling” evidence was presented to the court, including reports from Mr Barilaro’s treating physicians.

It’s unknown how long Mr. Barilaro lasted on the dance floor, but actress and singer Erika Heynatz didn’t expect to arrive until late at night as she attended the early Sunday night session.

Heynatz posted a video of a crowd rippling to the deafening decibels of Australian DJ ‘First Lady of House’ Kate Monroe.

The former Home and Away star who played villainous biology teacher Charlotte King on the long-running soap opera seemed well aware that it was a school night.

“The crowd is already kicking it off at 7:30pm for @mskatemonroe,” he wrote.

‘Look… there are advantages to getting older.

‘Take me to the Ministry of Sound nightclub but take me home before midnight I beg you.’

As the evening wore on, some took the opportunity to grab refreshments outside the harborside venue.

Say cheese! Ravers take a selfie at the heartwarming two-day festival

There was an off-site snack opportunity early Saturday night for these foodie-themed gentlemen.

Also seen outside the passenger terminal on Sunday night was Australia’s Next Top Model star Charlie Austin.

Despite his glamorous pedigree, Austin was in casual-to-go mode in tall black boots, jeans, a crop top, and a jacket.

Austin, 30, who recently broke up with restaurant owner Scott Robertson, was seen enjoying a cigarette while chatting with her new boyfriend, nightclub boss Poata Okeroa.

Before the first tracks were spun, partygoers at the harborside venue could be seen enjoying refreshments.

For some, it was also a chance to take a few last selfies in the sun before hitting the cavernous dance floor.

A packed line soon formed at the front of the venue as security ordered the excited revelers into the roped off lines.

Police were also present and appeared to verify the age, but they were not seen searching for drugs.

There was a lot of excitement when the Ministry of Sound made Sydneysiders jump on Sunday.

As the event came to a close, Ministry of Sound ravers tried to find their way home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Some of those who gathered outside for refreshments before the Sound Testament Ministry event took the opportunity to snap last-minute selfies in the sun.

Some of the attendees at the Ministry of Sound’s Testament event in Sydney were certainly dressed to impress

There were plenty of weird and wonderful fashion choices on display, including junk food-themed T-shirts, patchwork coats that were half army camo and half ’70s wallpaper design, and hair that hung in long pastel braids.

Some hippy-style groovers dressed in both 70s style and flared pants.

As the night wore on, some partygoers could be seen taking the opportunity to catch a breath in the crisp Sydney night air.

Later, the stragglers, teary-eyed and tired-looking, emerged at dawn, hoping to somehow make it home.

The Testament Sound Ministry event will move to Melbourne for two nights next weekend and then to Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Stylish colorful costumes and flares were worn for the Sydney Ministry of Sound event.

Security was on hand to round up the excited partygoers at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal

There were some flashy outfits among the ravers who entered the Ministry of Sound Sydney event on Sunday night.

“This unequaled era of nightlife has become the stuff of folklore and legend,” claims Ministry of Sound’s event promotion.

“Testament pays tribute to the sounds and people of this generation of clubbing, and the vibrant cities and nightlife cultures across the country that they cultivated.”

Ministry of Sound was founded as a club in south London in 1991 with an emphasis on acoustics over style.

Since then, it’s grown into a global empire of touring events, dance floor drops, and now even includes a gym.