Speculation is rife in Wellington that the city's only specifically-LGBT nightclub has shut its doors, but Imerst's manager Rhys Hakkens insists it's business as usual. Lady Trenyce on stage at Imerst's 1st birthday recently "The doors are still open, and will stay open," he confirmed today. Last Saturday featured a What a Year! 2007 retrospective party, and a Christmas Party is planned for this Saturday 22 December. An official-looking notice placed on the door on the nightclub yesterday - announcing the termination of the lease due to unpaid rent - attracted several GayNZ.com readers to contact us questioning whether Imerst would remain open. GayNZ.com understands the nightclub will shortly change ownership, but will continue to be run as an LGBT venue. All three dance floors of Imerst will be open on New Years' Eve for their Fevah party featuring DJ's blending hardhouse, trance, electro, breaks, funk and techno music. Unlike most events in the venue recently, the party is aimed at the mainstream clubbing crowd, a fact which has disappointed some Wellingtonians who told GayNZ.com "there's nowhere gay to go on New Years' Eve." The management of Cuba Street's Bluenote Bar say they are now planning a gay night on New Years' Eve, staying open until 6am on the first day of 2008. Many LGBT Wellingtonians will also travel north to Vinegar Hill camping ground near Hunterville to see in the New Year.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Monday, 17th December 2007 - 10:57am