Planning is underway for Wānaka’s first-ever Pride Street Party.

The celebration will feature everything from live music and DJs to spoken word and poetry, a craft market, food and beverage stalls, a ‘living library’, and an information market with LGBTQI+ resources.  

“We’re here to throw an all inclusive street party, show love, educate, and support the LGBQTQI+ community,” event spokesperson Ollie Harcus told the Wānaka App. 

The September 9 event, which will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre and Bullock Street Reserve, is open to everyone in the community, Ollie said.

“We want everyone to feel they can come down and take part. We are creating a safe space for all people.”

Ollie is a founding member of Out and About Wanaka, a burgeoning group of LGBTQI+ locals and allies.

He said the idea for the pride event came from a desire to support rainbow youth in the small community. It quickly picked up steam.

“We reached out to the community and they have been absolutely amazing,” Ollie said, “from QLDC [Queenstown Lakes District Council] who have helped us get this going, to Entertainment Solutions who said they would help with the audiovisual, and a lot of performers who are doing it for free or very basic funding.”

Pride Street Party is a fundraiser for local youth LGBTQI+ initiatives.

Money raised from a raffle and silent auction on the day will provide financial assistance to support Kahu Youth and Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College’s rainbow programmes.

In addition to the Pride Street Party, Out and About has longer-term goals to become a charitable trust that supports the local LGBTQI+ community, Ollie said. 

“We will put on a wider range of events from things like parties to a queer film night,” Ollie said.

“We will also look at funding so we can continue to support some of the youth programmes locally.”

Pride Street Party will take place on September 9, from 4-8pm, at the Lake Wānaka Centre and Bullock Creek Reserve.

Anyone who wants to help with the event (perhaps by providing an item for the raffle, making a financial contribution or holding a stall) is encouraged to get in touch with Out and About Wānaka at [email protected].

PHOTO: Supplied