Sally and Mandy Whitewoods Gay Ski Week organisers are expecting an influx of couples wanting to get hitched in picturesque Queenstown during the annual event. Sally and Mandy Whitewoods say they were ‘over the moon’ when the law was passed and are looking forward to celebrating with friends and visitors at this year’s event from 31 August and to 7 September. "This is such an amazing achievement for same sex couples in New Zealand and across the globe," Sally Whitewoods says. "We’re already fielding Facebook posts, emails and calls from friends who’re thinking about heading over to New Zealand to get married. "Queenstown’s just the perfect wedding destination, so we’re fully anticipating there will be a number of same sex couples choosing to get married here during Gay Ski Week. "We’d love to hear from them so we can help out with their plans and make sure their celebrations tie in perfectly with the range of activities and fun times we’ve already got on offer. It could be a blast." Hundreds of gay men and women converge on Queenstown for a week-long celebration of skiing, socialising and evenings full of fun. Sally Whitewoods says tickets are already selling well for this year’s events, but urges potential attendees to book well in advance so they didn’t miss out. "Some events always sell out, but if we do have any tickets left on the night for door sales, people will end up paying more." The programme kicks off with a bang at the Opening Party at Barmuda on Saturday August 31. Guests will start the night with a celebratory glass of bubbles before hitting the hottest night spots of Queenstown. People are encouraged to dig out the party frocks for a night of ‘poignant love and delectation’ at the opening night of the cabaret-style show "La Cage Aux Folles". Limited table seats are available for this event which promises to be a highlight of the week. Other highlights this year include ‘Bingay’, a take on traditional bingo and the Broken Shed Casino Royale evening at the Skyline Gondola. For the first time ever, the Whitewoods are also raising funds for charity, donating six per cent of the accommodation revenue from bookings at Novotel Queenstown to the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. "A wedding or two would be the icing on the cake for this year’s event,” Sally Whitewoods says. "Who knows, Mandy and I may even make our civil union official."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 27th April 2013 - 11:58am