2015 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival Gets Off To An Explosive Start

Clear, starry skies and snow covered mountains were the setting for Prime Minister John Key to launch the 2015 American Express Opening Party and Fireworks in front of over 10,000 lakeside festival goers this evening.

Yesterday’s heavy snow gave way to bright sunshine for the first day of the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, the southern hemisphere’s biggest winter celebration.

On stage before Prime Minister John Key was the Toyota Global Street Band, six street musicians selected by an internet vote to travel to Queenstown from all over the world. It was the first time the musicians had performed together and the Festival crowd made it clear that their performance was a massive success. The performance was a world first and may become the template for future global talent searches.

Crowds started gathering around Lake Wakatipu by early afternoon. “This was such a big win for us” said Festival Manager Lisa Buckingham. “The musicians from all over the world represented the international spirit that makes Queenstown so unique – and so successful. We’re proud to have helped pioneer this new type of entertainment – created on the internet, but realised so wonderfully tonight, here in one of the most beautiful places on earth.”

Organisers estimated the crowd to be one of the biggest ever seen for the American Express Winter Festival. “The weather played ball” said Lisa Buckingham. “Yesterday’s snow was brilliant for the ski fields, but we’re pleased we got such a clear sunny day today.”

Over 45,000 visitors are expected in Queenstown over the next 10 days as the Festival stages over 50 events in locations that stretch from the lakefront up to Coronet Peak. The DB Export Dog Barking, Jack Links Mountain Bikes on Snow, the American Express Festival Street Parade, Comedy events, live music and the Hits 90.4 Birdman competition that pitches competitors into the freezing lake are all part of the spectacle which brings over $55 million into the local economy.

Images for media from tonight’s American Express Opening Party and Fireworks are available at http://www.winterfestival.co.nz/media/hi-res-images/2015-festival/

ENDS

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