Last weekend over 70 people attended the second planning meeting for this year's ‘Queen of the Whole Universe'– more volunteers than ever before in the event's four-year history. “Our audiences want more and more each year – and we'll deliver,” says the fundraising pageant's creator/director Jonathan Smith. The annual theatrical show is a major fundraiser for the NZ AIDS Foundation, and increased financial sponsorship this year means the event has already more than covered costs – even though tickets aren't yet on sale. “It's fantastic that more and more people are coming on board with us,” Smith tells GayNZ.com. “This year there'll be over fifty performers on stage – most of them girls in the pageant but also eleven leather men to escort them around!” Volunteers at the meeting, many of them will dress in outrageously elaborate gowns for the show, were given much-needed practical advice to avoid any ‘costume malfunctions'. “The maximum size for headgear is 2 metres by 2 metres,” Smith reminded the enthusiastic assembly. The event is scheduled for the ASB Stage, Aotea Centre, The EDGE, Auckland, on Friday 30th November 2007 – the eve of World AIDS Day. Tickets are on sale from 9am Monday 5th June, through Ticketek (phone 09 307 5000). Related links: http://www.gaynz.com/QWU/ Ref: GayNZ.com (m)