The week of 10-18 May looks set to be another festival of celebration for Christchurch's LGBT communities, say event organisers at the NZ AIDS Foundation's South Island headquarters.

Christchurch Pride Week 2008 will open with the 'Pink Carpet' VIP premiere of the major documentary film chronicling six decades of Christchurch's gay community, called Through Rainbow Coloured Glasses. Presented by Big Girls Blouse Productions and Pink Health Otautahi at the Regent on Worcester cinema on Saturday 10 May, it'll be a chance to learn about the characters that shaped the local scene, and be the first to experience the film before it takes off to appear around the world on the international film festival circuit.

The NZAF's South Island Health Promoter Hamish Milne says he's also tried to feature popular events from last year's Pride Week again this year. "We'll crown our own Mr and Ms Pride Week, and since last year's Toga Party was so successful, one of the ideas for 2008 is a Heroes and Villains party."

The week's closing event will be the annual Candlelight Memorial service on Sunday 18 May, remembering people who have been lost to the AIDS epidemic.

Christchurch Pride Week was initiated by the NZAF's Gay Men's Health Team in 2005 as a vehicle for raising HIV awareness, building strong communities, and encouraging safe sex behaviour among gay and bisexual men – who remain the most at-risk group for HIV transmission within New Zealand.

A total of $5,600 was raised by last year's Pride Week, with funds used to support local LGBT community groups.

If you'd like to be involved in Christchurch Pride Week 2008, either by running an event or advertising your business in the programme, please get in touch as soon as possible," says Milne.

Hamish Milne can be reached via email at hamish.milne@nzaf.org.nz , or for inquiries about the candlelight memorial, please contact Laura Jones, Regional Manager, NZAF South Te Toka on 03 379 1953 or laura.jones@nzaf.org.nz.