Hero Trust Board
Media Release

The Hero Festival is going ahead this year with the main event being the annual Hero Gala, Sean Lofts Hero Trust Board Co-Chair said.

The Prime Minister will attend this year's Hero Gala at the newly restored Civic Theatre, and she will open the event. The event is proving popular and tickets are selling much faster than last year.

"We are very excited that for the third year in a row the Prime Minister of New Zealand will be in attendance at our keynote event", said Mr Lofts.

"This is the only country in the world where Prime Ministers from the entire political spectrum have attended the premier gay and lesbian festival event or Parade. Helen Clark's presence means that the gay and lesbian communities feel supported by the wider community, and we feel this is important for everyone."

The Gala, on Friday 18 February, is a variety show containing dance, music, comedy and of course some surprises.

"A successful Gala this year will help to ensure that the Hero Parade will be back in 2001. We all miss the Parade, and we need to be sure that we are in a strong position to hold the Parade without the financial troubles of the past," Mr Lofts said.

"The Leader of the Opposition, Jenny Shipley, was invited but unfortunately is unable to attend due to a prior commitment. The Mayor of Auckland, Christine Fletcher, is unable to attend the Gala but she will be present at the prior welcoming drinks function."

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