A colourful moment from the Hero parades The GABA Charitable Trust is to profit from a paid priority seating area to be erected giving a prime viewing location for the forthcoming Auckland Pride Parade. Drawing on the success of the viewing stands at the Mardi Gras Parades and at Pride's predecessor event, the Hero Parades,the GABA GlamStand will offer "a range of premium view options where guests can party the Pride Parade away in a comfortable setting, with access to good food and refreshments," according to the Trust. Pre-parade entertainment will also be provided. The theme of the inaugural Pride Parade is 'One Community,' which the organisers say is intended to "reflect a Rainbow community that is one in its diversity, a community that has matured, and a community that has a place in the wider community." Tickets to the GABA GlamStand will be available from iTicket and various as yet unannounced retailers from $75 each. The GlamStand will also provide grand-stand seating for GABA members and invited guests including VIPs. "The format is consistent with other pride parades and similar events run internationally with great success. We believe there will be demand for high-quality seating and facilities and this is an opportunity to enhance the profile of Auckland Pride, GABA, and the wider gay community. Any profits will go to the GABA Charitable Trust.’ The Auckland Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, February 16, starting at 4pm at Western Park, Ponsonby Road. It will travel the length of Ponsonby Road north and end at Three Lamps. The GABA GlamStand will be open from 3 pm. Funds from the GABA Trust are distributed to community initiatives through an annual series of grants, scholarships and awards.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 24th January 2013 - 11:02am