Wellington Pride’s Fantasy comes true after 25 years

This Saturday 18 March, the Wellington Pride Parade will be dazzling Wellington with glitz, glamour and fantasy to celebrate the LGBTIQ community.

“Fantasy is the theme for this year’s Wellington Pride Parade, where we are encouraging individuals to be who they choose to be regardless of age, gender, sexual identity or culture,” says Parade Director Amanduh la Whore. “It has been more that 25 years in the making but our Capital City is about to be eclipsed with imaginings of heart, mind and soul”.

The parade is one of four major events on Saturday for the Wellington Pride Festival | Tū whakahīhī e Te Whanganui-ā-Tara, alongside Out in the Park, a Youth Ball for 13-18 year olds, and an after party for those aged 18+.

“The Wellington Pride Festival has been pumping with diverse events for two weeks and will culminate in a huge celebration for the whole community to enjoy this weekend,” says Adrienne Girling, Chair of Wellington Pride.

The International Rainbow Flag will glide down Courtenay Place at the head of the parade, into Taranaki Street, and onto the waterfront making its way into Waitangi Park to kick off Out in the Park, Wellington’s much loved annual queer fair. At 12noonWellington Mayor Justin Lester will officially open the festivities at Waitangi Park.

Celebrating its 31st year, the fair is famous for its free entertainment and community atmosphere. “There is something for everyone to enjoy, with more than 60 stalls, great food, a stunning line up of Wellington-based entertainers to wow the crowds, and thousands of spectators. All are welcome to come enjoy the day with family, friends and community,” says Girling.

Following Out in the Park, Wellington Pride will host a Youth Ball for 13-18 year olds. The theme of the ball is Fantasy Forest, a place where young people can be whoever they want, however they want, and feel safe and empowered.

“The Ball is for students who don't conform to sexuality or gender norms as the usual school balls are often unwelcoming - partners banned, dress codes enforced, and unsafe environments,” says Wellington Pride’s youth representative Bella Simpson. This Ball is expected to attract about 400 young people from the Wellington region, Wairarapa and Manawatu, a first for the capital.

An after party will be held for those aged 18 or over at LGBTIQ-friendly establishments Eva Beva and the Fat Angel at the corner of Eva and Dixon Streets from 8:30pm. International drag artiste Pollyfilla—whose autobiographical show The Life and Times of the Divine Miss P is running at BATS theatre until Friday—will perform at the party and mesmerise the crowds.

The Wellington Pride Festival | Tū whakahīhī e Te Whanganui-ā-Tara is proudly sponsored by ANZ, Wellington City Council, Rainbow Pages, New Zealand Aids Foundation, Intercity, Sara Gilbert and a myriad of Wellington based companies and community members who have come on board to support what will prove to be a set of extraordinary events.

-ENDS-

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