Wellington Pride Festival | Tū Whakahīhī e Te Whanganui-ā-Tara kicks-off its heels in the capital this weekend for a fabulous fortnight of over 100 events, activities, and entertainment – and everyone’s welcome.
The festival programme will celebrate and proudly showcase the diversity of the city, and the talent and creativity of Wellington's queer and trans community.
Starting the festivities on Saturday 22 February is the annual ‘Out in the Park’ event at Waitangi Park – putting the fair into flair!
In its 34th year, the fair features singers, drag queens and kings, comedians, circus performers and plenty of whanau friendly activities and entertainment to celebrate our rainbow community and friends.
Wellington City Council Mayor Andy Foster says: “Out in the Park is another wonderful expression of the creativity, pride and diversity of our local communities. This year’s fair and Pride festival will be no different!”
Keep celebrations rolling into the evening at the Kilbirnie Recreational Centre for the Pride roller disco. Laugh along with host and comedian Hugo Grrrl and skate & shake to DJ DYSLEKTRK’s beats from 7pm.
Arts, Culture and Events portfolio lead, and Wellington International Pride Parade board member, Councillor Nicola Young says the festival is a time for celebration, but also reflection.
“This is a highlight on the rainbow community’s calendar, but it’s also important to address discrimination which is unfortunately still a factor in our society.
“We need to celebrate our alliances, our diversity, our identity, and support those facing challenges and exclusion.”
The rainbow flag will be flying high, literally and metaphorically, with events, performances and activities organised by various groups in the community at numerous venues across the city – and banners installed along the Wellington Waterfront too.
Check out the Pride Film Night on Wednesday 26 February hosted by Massey University, take a tour of Te Papa’s ‘queer objects’ on Saturday 29 February, and that evening get your glam on with the Pride Youth Ball theme of celebrating individuality and self-expression.
The festival ends with a bang, as the Wellington International Pride Parade hits the streets with floats, festivities and fun on Saturday 7 March. This year’s theme is WATER; Dive into your Pride | Te wai; Tō Mana. Whakarukuhia!
Community Well-being portfolio lead Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons expects 2020 to be the biggest Pride Parade yet.
“Each year the event has got bigger and better, and now in its 4th year I’m looking forward to everyone ‘diving’ into the celebrations and fully embracing the positivity and pride this Parade represents!”
A double-decker bus wrapped in rainbow colours, a collaborative entry from Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Tranzurban and Go Media, will feature in this year’s Wellington International Pride Parade.
Launched today, the bus will also be operational on Wellington’s streets for the next couple of months.
The Wellington International Pride Parade will set off from Tennyson Street from 6pm on Saturday 7 March, making its way through Courtenay Place area towards the Taranaki Street wharf area on the waterfront for post-parade activities.
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