Media release from the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival
24 June 2011

Queenstown Winter Festival opens with a bang

Sparks flew, smiles were aplenty and the music played as the 2011 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival was officially opened this evening (Friday 24 June).

Thousands of people took to Queenstown’s Earnslaw Park to make the most of the crisp clear conditions and to enjoy the festival’s biggest ever fireworks display.

More FM MC’s Margot Berryman and Henry Youngman got the crowds warmed up for a special appearance by the Dukes and local talent Anna Leat and Sarah Foley, before Prime Minister John Key took to the stage to officially declare the festival open.

The Festival fireworks then lit up the surrounding mountains and Lake Wakatipu in a stunning display.

Kiwi rockers Jordan Luck then cranked the party up another notch before local favourites The Lynch Mob wrapped it up for the evening.

Earlier in the day, the first event on the festival calendar was the Gen-i Business Luncheon was a sell out success. Hosted by Queenstown Chamber of Commerce and Destination Queenstown, special guests Kevin Bowler, CEO Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand’s Bruce Parton and Jim Boult of Christchurch Airport led a dynamic discussion around the direction of New Zealand Tourism.

Festival Director Simon Green said he was thrilled with the festival opening.

“It’s been a wonderful day and a fantastic launch for Queenstown’s official start tor winter. The streets are literally thronging with people and everybody’s in the party mood,” he said.

The Festival fun continues tomorrow (Saturday 25 June) with the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival Parade, McDonald’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic, mask making workshops with Donna Demente, several sporting contests including football and ice hockey clashes and Frisbee golf in the Queenstown gardens. The day finishes with festival glamour event, the Deutz Masquerade Ball - Burlesque.

For the full line up of the programme 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.

The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter party, the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival returns from 24 June to 3 July for ten days of winter fun in Queenstown New Zealand.

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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