20 June 2011

Queenstown fires up for Winter Festival

A fireworks spectacular at the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstowners get ready - The most 'cracking' fireworks display the resort has ever seen fires up at the American Express Opening Party this Friday (24 June).

Setting the skies alight will be a show that guarantees to aptly launch the ten days of action-packed fun, glamour and hilarity that is the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival (June 24 - 3 July).

Festival Director Simon Green said he was confident this year's Opening Party and Fireworks would be "truly spectacular" and that the party would get started no matter what on Friday.

Mr Green reminded locals and visitors that because of the scale of the fireworks operation and multiple launch sites, there would be a security enforced exclusion zone and restricted access to the Queenstown Gardens from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

"There's a substantial set up involved in this year's fireworks display and we need to keep an area clear around the launch site that will be positioned on the beach directly opposite Earnslaw Park. Best viewing places for the fireworks will be at Earnslaw Park or anywhere along Marine Parade," he said.

Getting the crowds warmed up before the show will be a 100% NZ music show featuring all the greatest Kiwi hits, a guest appearance from the Dukes and local talent Anna Leat and Sarah Foley. Afterwards its kiwi rocker Jordan Luck before the celebrations move indoors at the American Express Ice Box for the ABSOLUT NZ Party with the DUKES and People of Paris playing live.

To see the full programme line up and individual event details check out the complete American Express Queenstown Winter Festival calendar online at www.winterfestival.co.nz or pick up a programme at information outlets throughout the region.

Tickets for all events can be bought from TicketDirect online at www.ticketdirect.co.nz, by phone 0800 224 224 (03 450 9110), or in person at the Queenstown Events Centre or Queenstown i-Site (corner of Shotover and Camp streets)*.

Winter Starts Here! From 24 June to 3 July the 2011 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival celebrates 37 years of winter fun and festivities with 10 days of totally outrageous and uniquely Queenstown events. Join us on Facebook, become a Friend of Festival and keep an eye on www.winterfestival.co.nz to be first with the latest news and hot updates. For more information about Queenstown visit www.queenstown-nz.co.nz .

*Ticket service fees apply.

ENDS

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