Out Wellington Inc. is proud to announce details of Out in the Square - Wellington's gay and lesbian fair – on from 10am until 5pm on Saturday 1 March 2008 in Civic Square!
The fair has been run at the Newtown School for 22 years, and this year, thanks to Wellington City Council's support, it's bigger and brighter than ever with a new venue and new vibe as part of Meridian Energy Summer City.
Previous fairs at Newtown have attracted 5,000 visitors. This year in Civic Square, Out Wellington Inc. is expecting to attract double the usual visitors and grow over the next five years into one of the best events in Wellington's calendar.
Out in the Square will feature professional entertainment of the widest variety ranging from drag queens and singers to reggaeton musicians. There will be loads of contests with a stack of stunning prizes including the much-loved Iko Iko Handbag Hurl, and the controversially titled It's In The Fag – a gay take on the iconic Kiwi TV show, with Steven Oates as your host. There will also be a dedicated supervised children's area with a bouncy castle. Top that off with fine food, sumptuous wine and DJ Jesta pumping out gay anthems, and Out in the Square promises to be a glorious day in the capital.
The festivities start at 10am with an official opening hosted by Good Morning's Steve Gray, before the loud and proud witty Māori power femme Parekotuku Moore and iconic Lady Trenyce take to the stage as MCs for the day. Confirmed performers include the reigning Miss Drag Wellington Ellie Kat; vocal powerhouse Sheba Williams; Rob Arnold – "Gay Boy" in the chart-topping group Boyband; Sue Dunlop; takataapui kapa haka group Tiwhananwhana; Hinemoana Baker and many more.
Also making a special appearance is NZ Idol winner Rosita Vai, who will be made-over into a high-camp disco diva by Wellington drag troupe The Glamazons.
The event can only be fabulous if the weather stays fine, so fingers crossed, and if it looks bleak in the morning, check the event's official website (linked below) for a cancellation announcement. If you don't see one, it's all on!
And don't forget the official Out in the Square after-party: at 9pm, Subnine on Edward Street will host Idolised, hosted by Steven Oates and with performances by Rosita Vai and The Glamazons in their brand new AV spectacular! Tickets can be purchased at Out in the Square or at Cosmic Corner for $10 or on the door for $15.