The Auckland Pride Festival publicly kicks off with a tomorrow with a 6am dawn ceremony at Okahu Bay Beach though no details of its participants or format have been available from the Pride Festival organisers. The evening sky will also be lit up tomorrow night to celebrate the beginnings of Pride, with the Sky Tower and Museum both basking in rainbow colours half an hour after sunset. GayNZ.com understands there will be no lighting up ceremony at the Museum this year, instead the rainbow colours will simply be switched on at approximately 8.30pm. For those involved in the organisation of the Festival a small launch function will be held this evening in the Britomart area when sponsors and other supporting organisations and business are likely to be acknowledged. With a diverse programme this year, Pasifika communities are engaged more so than ever and community feedback has played a big part in seeking to increase the reach of the Auckland Pride Festival. Performance and film are also strong components of the festival with local and international performers gracing our stages. This year’s big events include Love Your Condom Big Gay Out, a valentine’s day event at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier. With market stalls, a fantastic array of entertainment and community vibes, the annual event is surely not one to miss this year. An impressive selection of both local and international performance will be a highlight of the festival, Australian cirque meets RuPaul’s Drag Race, Briefs, is looking like a crowd-pleaser - think Boylesque with aerial acrobatics and show stopping drag performance. Proud to Play from February 13 to 21, contributes to a strong sports component and kicks off with an opening ceremony being held at Silo Park on Saturday 13th February. Featuring 15 different sports including roller derby, tennis and dragon boating, participants are expected from as far away as Germany. Lastly, the Festival’s proudest and most vibrant display of community spirit, the Pride Parade will make it’s way down Ponsonby Road on 20 February, this year changing direction, starting at three lamps and heading towards Western Park. Expect a fierce display of pride from all corners of the wider community and for those who are keen to party the night away, the Pride Party is sure to be the place to be. For all you need to know about the events, head to the Auckland Pride Festival website.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 3rd February 2016 - 6:18pm