7.15PM: Shining white high-peaked tents and marquees have already given Auckland's inner-city Coyle Park a festive look in the lead up to tomorrow's Get It On Big Gay Out. The tent peaks are designed to give the area the look of a circus, says a Get it On spokesperson. A larger white marquee has been set to house the GABA VIP Hospitality tent which has been kitted out with flowering pot plants, colourful umbrellas and the obligatory red velvet rope. A huge black marquee dominates the dance party and beer garden area with a massive sound system truck set up along one side to blast high powered beats onto the dance floor. Headliner Anika Moa The entertainment stage is almost ready, just awaiting the final addition of effects and sound equipment. And of course entertainers. Headliner tomorrow will be Anika Moa, who has just revealed she and her partner are expecting twins, and MCs will include Steven Oates plus K Road rivals Miss Ribena and Cindy of Samoa. "We've got a wonderful array of high quality drag acts lined up for tomorrow," the get It On spokesperson says, "and there will be plenty of young, funky Pacifica entertainers too. It's been so great that so many entertainers have been offering their services this year instead of us having to go out and ask." The stall area has been marked out and Get It On says there will be 100 high quality food stalls. The traditional cooling waterslide is ready, just waiting for the fire service to add water. Weatherwatch.co.nz's special Big Gay Out forecast for GayNZ.com predicts mostly fine weather at Coyle park, with a few cloudy spells and humid easterlies. The temperature is expected to climb to 27 degrees. Asked for the best hints for enjoying the day the Get It On spokesperson suggests folk catch the air conditioned buses which will shuttle along Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Roads before heading to the park, as parking along Point Chevalier is always at a premium. And, she says, "wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring plenty of sunblock and a water bottle!" In the extremely unlikely event of a cancellation GayNZ.com will carry notification from early tomorrow morning. GayNZ.com will have full live updates from Coyle Park. Thanks to GABA for giving us a workspace in their tent!
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 12th February 2011 - 7:15pm