Opening night drinks will be held at Guilty, a former magistrates court. After a group of South Islanders decided the gay show must go on in Queenstown, an opening night gathering has been arranged for all those headed to the annulled Gay Ski Week. Since it emerged the company which runs Gay Ski Week has gone into voluntary liquidation work has been underway to ensure some events still go ahead for all those who have books flights and accommodation for the festival, which was due to start tomorrow. Sally Whitewoods from The Southern Lakes Lesbian and Gay Society has been working with Christchurch resident and Mr Gay New Zealand Aaron Comis and others, with the support of Gay Ski Week organiser Mike Sanford, to ensure the welcome mat is rolled out. An opening party will be held at Guilty, the former court on Ballarat St, from 6pm on Saturday night and entry will be free "to keep the faith" for all those who have been impacted by the liquidation, Whitewoods says. It will also be an informal planning session for 'unofficial' Gay Ski Week events. Auckland event producer Marty Roberts is investigating whether the Buff and Manhunt closing parties can still be held. The Bathhouse Tapas Bar and Restaurant will offer happy hours and drink special from 4pm Monday until the end of the week and has been mooted as an early night drinks venue where people can meet, chat and find out about changes.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 22nd July 2011 - 11:04am