The 23rd annual Wellington Gay and Lesbian Fair will have a new name and location in the heart of the capital when it returns on Saturday 1 March.
Out in the Square - Wellington's gay and lesbian fair will be held in Civic Square, a new central location favoured for its accessibility and visibility in the city, say organisers.
"We're pushing it to the next level," says Aaron Hailwood, chairperson of Out Wellington Inc. "People will see a lot of colour, rainbow flags everywhere. We've also got more stalls this year than previously, and loads of entertainers including some fair favourites."
The fair's previous location in a Newtown School was rather "fenced off", explains Hailwood. "But this time it's really 'out there'. It's really increasing LGBT visibility.
"Previous fairs have got around 5,000 people - this year we're hoping to double that, or even triple that. Civic Square can comfortably hold up to 8,000 people at a time. But realistically, we have no idea how many people will turn up," he says.
Officially opening the fun family day at 10am will be a variety of notable members of the community, including politicians. A wide variety of entertainers will amuse the crowd until 5pm with shows and activities. As always, stalls from community groups will raise awareness of Wellington's LGBT networks.
"We're working in partnership with the Wellington City Council, as part of the Meridian Energy Summer City Festival," says Hailwood. "The Council have been extremely supportive and are keen for this to be a major event in the city. We've also had excellent sponsorship from the NZ AIDS Foundation and Galaxies [LGBT Wellington Christian Community]."
Planning meetings for Out in the Square are continuing and there is still time to join the event as a stall holder or entertainer. Organisers can be reached via the official website, linked below.