There are only a couple of days to go before Imerst nightclub holds their first Mr Gay Wellington Competition, with club management saying they're “well and truly prepared for a sensational night”. “Mr Gay Wellington gives us a chance to celebrate who we are and acknowledge individuals that add color to our gay world,” says Imerst owner Rhys Hakkens. Wellington drag icon ‘Lady Trenyce' will host this year's festivities – “taking ‘Pollyfillas' place as Wellingtons true queen of high camp,” she says. Auckland DJ Karl Moser plays in the main room until late in the evening. All three levels of Imerst will be open; with the top level will be exclusively branded as a Redbull recovery lounge, with special guest DJ Gus in house. The celebrity panel of judges is made up of Arabia Miss Drag Wellington 2006, Mr Gay Wellington 2005 winner James Laverty, gay television presenter/director Steven Oates and special guest judge three-time Oscar award winning costume designer James Acheson. “The judges will be looking for personality and flare; it's not just about looks this year, watch out New Zealand this is Mr Gay like you have never seen before,” says Promotions Manager Daniel Williams. This year there are four sections for the contestants to show the audience why they should be crowned Mr Gay Wellington – Party wear, Formal wear, Swim wear and Open wear. In addition to the title, the winner will receive a massive amount of prizes including $500 cash, a six-month membership to Exodus Gym, a $400 Pearl hair design voucher, a $200 voucher for The Lanes Bowling Lounge, bar tabs and more. “Support for this event from local and national businesses has been overwhelming considering the time frame we've had to pull them all together,” says Imerst's Operations Manager Te Arikirangi Mamaku. “Everyone attending is in for something special. This event has been an integral part of shaping aspects of our gay community for well over 20 years and with a fresh new home at Imerst, and young vibrant team behind it, we're excited about being a part of guiding a new generation into the future while acknowledging our history here in Wellington.” The current Mr Gay Wellington, James Laverty, has held the title since Labour Day 2005. Pound Nightclub – the traditional home of the event – closed last August, leading to Laverty's ‘extended reign'. Mr Gay Wellington 2007 begins at 10pm, Saturday 14th of April. Ref: Imerst, GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 12th April 2007 - 12:00pm