Pride in the Park to go big
THE forecast in Queenstown tomorrow is for a party to be proud of.
For the first time a free Pride in the Park event will be held in the resort, part of Winter Pride — formerly Gay Ski Week QT.
The event is in part a celebration of the Queenstown Pride Pledge.
Winter Pride codirector Martin King said he doubted residents would have seen anything like it before.
‘‘It’s eight hours of free, diverse, entertainment — dance troupes, DJs, drag shows, Doggie Drag.
‘‘There will be more rainbow flags than this town has ever seen before and it’ll be a perfect spring day on the waterfront, lighting up as it gets dark.
‘‘It’s just going to end up being a really, really special atmosphere.’’
Special guests at tomorrow’s celebration would include Minister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni, Labour MP Tamati Coffee and Mr Gay World Jordan Bruno, of Australia.
Winter Pride, which began on Saturday, had exceeded every expectation so far, Mr King said.
‘‘It’s hard to describe . . . people are telling me the guests have said ‘this has been the best week of my life’ — we couldn’t have predicted that it could be so good.’’
Pride in the Park will be held in Earnslaw Park from noon until 8pm tomorrow.