The ever-popular Big Gay Out is coming again to Coyle Park in Auckland's Pt Chevalier, and the line-up of performers on stage for the family fun day has now been announced. Community groups ready for another Big Gay Out The eighth-annual event, planned for Sunday 10 February from noon till 7pm, attracts crowds in excess of 10,000 each year, and has come to be known as Auckland's annual fair day for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, takataapui and transgender communities, promising something for everyone. Following a short HIV/AIDS memorial service at noon which includes the New Zealand Quilt Project, a huge variety of entertainment is on offer at the Marquis Condoms stage; from kapa haka group Toa to drag divas Buckwheat and Cindy of Samoa, singer/songwriters and dance covers band Pulse, who made a big impact when they last appeared at 2004's Big Gay Out. "There are still some slots available for entertainers," says event organiser Jonathan Smith. "If you're interested in performing, you can register through our online application form at www.gaynz.com/BGO." Also back by popular demand are the Stiletto Stampede, Toss The Handbag and infamous Dog Lookalike contests. Midget The Clown will be on hand to keep the kids entertained, while the adults can party down in the Family Dance Tent, relax in the Fluffy Beer Garden, or enjoy the fare on offer at the international food stalls. Food stalls have been increased this year and as well as regular fair day food of hot dogs and fish and chips, there'll also be gourmet wild food, Indonesian cuisine, finger foods, rolls, organic coffee, crepes, shaved ice, Brazilian BBQ and ice-cream. Health promotion activities targeted at gay and bisexual men will also play a key part in the day. The winners of last year's Safe Sex Poster Boy contest will be launching a new resource and posing for souvenir photos with the crowds, and recruiters will be on hand to encourage participation in the biannual Gay Auckland Periodic Sex Survey. And if you can't find what you're looking for on the day, you can ask one of the Big Gay Out ambassadors, who will be roaming the park throughout the day to hand out site plans, entertainment guides and to answer questions. The Big Gay Out is the flagship event of the month-long HERO Festival running throughout February, which celebrates the diversity of Auckland's LGBT communities. Organised and sponsored by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Marquis Condoms, the event aims to raise HIV awareness, encourage safe sex for gay and bisexual men, and build stronger LGBT communities. "Each year it's a challenge to make the Big Gay Out a bigger and brighter event than it was the year before," Smith says, "but we've risen to the challenge and I think the crowds will be thrilled with what we've put together for 2008." For more information about the Big Gay Out, including a site map and entertainment schedule, visit www.gaynz.com/BGO.