Big diva shows and contests aim to drag more punters into Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Wellington's gay bars over this long weekend. Queens celebrate: Wellington's divas Tonight two new queens will be crowned – Miss Shampers Bay of Plenty at Rotorua's Shampers bar from 8pm, and Miss Drag Waikato 2009 at Hamilton's Shine nightclub from 9pm. Rotorua's best amateur diva entertainers have been whittled down over three weekly heats, while Hamilton's star queen will be selected from audience votes tonight. Auckland and Wellington have their biggest shows this Sunday night, ahead of Monday's public holiday. Queen of all Queens amateur drag competititon at Auckland's Family bar will kick off at 9pm, with free entry all night. "All the winners from the last few years are coming back to battle it out for the Ultimate Queen of Queens title," promises drag rocker Karma Chaos. Meanwhile in Ponsonby, Dorothy's Sister bar will host their Queen's Birthday Party, encouraging attendees to dress up as their favourite queen for the light-hearted event. Kiwi drag legend – and one-time mayoral candidate – Carmen returns to Wellington for this weekend's Agender conference and has revealed she'll take to the stage at Wellington's Garden Club (below Club Ivy on Dixon Street) on Sunday night. Carmen is now based in Sydney so her appearances in New Zealand are rare. Her All the Queen's Men night will also feature shows from Miss Galaxy and Amanduh La Whore, along with Miss Drag Wellington Rhubarb Rouge, who will be officially crowned by Carmen. GayNZ.com wishes our readers a happy and safe Queen's Birthday Weekend and will features photos and news from the weekend's events in coming days.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Saturday, 30th May 2009 - 8:25am