ALMOST 100 revellers were caught with drugs at Sydney's Mardi Gras, but police say crowds were better behaved than in previous years.
Police praised the crowd for ''general good behaviour''.
However they said they searched 200 partygoers and charged 96 with possessing drugs during a four hour operation involving sniffer dogs at the after party at Moore Park.
''We make no apologies for doing what we can to stop people taking drugs into this type of event,'' Surry Hills Local Area Command Duty Officer Inspector Stephen Crews said in a statement today.
Revellers whoop it up at the 35th Sydney Mardi Gras. Picture: Adam Taylor
Meanwhile seven people were arrested for offences including assaulting police, offensive behaviour and failing to comply with police directions.
A police officer was injured after allegedly being assaulted while arresting a 19-year-old about 9.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday and required hospital treatment.
About 40 people needed medical treatment during the evening.
This lot looked pretty in pink while dancing the night away. Picture: Adam Taylor
Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said there were significantly fewer arrests and incidents than previous years.
''We made it clear from the outset that anti-social and illegal behaviour would simply not be tolerated,'' he said.
''The alcohol-free zones were well enforced and adhered to by the majority of people which greatly assisted in making it a relatively trouble-free evening.''
The lady in red whooped it up at the 35th Sydney Mardi Gras. Picture: Adam Taylor
A man was also arrested in relation to the theft of $10,000 worth of tickets to the event.
This year's figures compare to 10 arrests during the 2012 Mardi Gras, 18 at the 2011 event and 35 in 2010, police said.
Fireworks, glittering transvestites and a sprinkling of pop stars lit up the annual event, but the loudest cheers were saved for the festival's founding cast.
Revellers dance through the streets during the 35th anniversary of the Sydney Mardi Gras. Picture: Adam Taylor
Ten thousand performers took part in the gay community's night of nights, with celebrations focusing on the parade's 35-year history.
The lead float at this year's ''Generations of Love'' parade was dedicated to the ''78ers'' including media personality Julie McCrossin and the ''godfather of Mardi Gras'' Ron Austin.
Thirty five years ago, the pair were part of a small group who took to the streets of Sydney to highlight discrimination against gay people.
Time for a snack at the 35th anniversary of the Sydney Mardi Gras. Picture: Adam Taylor
On Saturday night, despite the rain and gusty winds, thousands of onlookers cheered as the performers danced, marched and cartwheeled down Oxford Street to commemorate the years of struggle for gay acceptance.
Gay members of Australia's defence force (ADF) marched in their uniforms for the first time and squadron leader Vince Chong from the Royal Australian Air Force was thrilled to be part of the event.
''It's absolutely exhilarating. This is about us being proud of the uniform, and it allows us to show how proud we are of the ADF,'' he said.
He said the decision to allow members to march, reflected the ADF's policy to encourage more workplace inclusion.
''It shows the priority that's been placed on diversion and inclusion in the Australian Defence Force. This is just the start of many things to come under the pathway to change. We will see more and more about generating a culture of inclusion.''
Politicians were also a part of the festivities with Sydney Mayor Clover Moore, turning out with a team of supporters along with Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich.
The ALP and the Greens were also represented while the Liberal Party also had their spot in the parade, with their float led by the opposition leader Tony Abbott's gay sister, Christine Foster.
Ms Forster said she hoped she could ''one day'' convince her brother to march in the parade despite the fact that he led the Coalition in a bloc ''no'' vote in two separate bills seeking to amend the marriage act to include same sex marriage in 2012.
''I would like to get him up Oxford Street and into Taylor Square at the head of the Mardi Gras, that would be fantastic,'' she said.
Ms Foster paid tribute to the 78ers, saying the festival had now changed to become a celebration of community and diversity rather than a protest.
A number of performers dressing like maverick Queensland MP Bob Katter also took part in the parade, while singer Paulini performed atop the City of Sydney's official float.
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