Hero Festival chairperson Michael Bancroft revealed last night that the feedback he’s received about plans for the Hero Parade to return to Auckland in 2009 has been ‘overwhelmingly negative’. Speaking to an audience of around 100 people at a Gay Auckland Business Association meeting, Bancroft said he’s still keen for more discussion about the needs and desires of LGBT locals in regards to the parade and festival, but was now aware there were many who didn’t support the parade’s return. Bancroft quoted someone who told him recently: “The Hero Parade is dead – put a stake in its heart.” The chairperson assured those assembled last night that the Hero Festival and Party would return next year ‘without question’, and plans were already in place, with an announcement of more information to come in a few weeks. The April announcement of the parade’s possible return in 2009 lead some community leaders to comment the parade was “not relevant anymore”, “a big financial risk,” and was for young people “a clichéd embarrassment”. Many now say they see the ‘Big Gay Out’ as the most important and inclusive event in the Hero Festival. Others saw the parade is a “rich experience” and “a celebration of our love and passion.” Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard said he was ‘open-minded’: “if there is agreement from the gay community that they want a Hero Parade then it will go to full Council and will be discussed and considered with an open mind.” Hero Festival organisers are keen to hear more community views on future parade and festival plans. Email: info@hero.org.nz. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)