The manager of Rotorua's new gay bar says he's heard from several people travelling from far and wide to be at the opening nights this weekend.
Shampers bar's Ric Mitchell has now confirmed his drag diva guests on Saturday night will be Miss Ribena and Buckwheat from Auckland's Family nightclub.
The doors at 1207 Eruera Street, will open with an invite-only VIP event this Friday evening from 7-9pm, but will be open to the public for the first time at 9pm.
"Saturday night will be huge," Mitchell says, "we'll be open from 7pm, with shows kicking off at 11pm."
Patrons will follow a red carpet inside the venue, where a huge ice sculpture will feature in a spacious bar with a clean and fresh look, and new wallpaper, drapes and stage set-up, he reveals.
"The closest gay bar to us is in Hammy, or Palmy, so we'll service the Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas. People travelling from afar to come see us, but unfortunately there is limited accommodation here as there's a major awards ceremony in Roturua this weekend."
Following the opening events, Christmas and New Years parties are in the planning stages.
