Queenstown’s cultural diversity celebrated in style

Queenstown’s cultural diversity celebrated in style at Auckland Airport Community Carnival

The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter celebration will this year culminate in an impressive display of Queenstown’s multi-cultural diversity, featuring a dazzling array of food, refreshments and entertainment from all corners of the world.

For the first time in the event’s 39-year history, the final night of the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival will be marked with a positively global vibe as the inaugural Auckland Airport Community Carnival brings light, laughter and fun to the streets of Queenstown.

The carnival-style street event will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Sunday 30 June and is loosely based around the hugely popular Mardi Gras festival usually held on Tuesday night during Festival week.

A fitting finale to New Zealand’s ‘ten coolest days’, the community-orientated celebration will revel in an eclectic mix of over 20 stalls run by local charities, schools, restaurants and cultural groups.

Dotted around the streets of the CBD, the diverse cultures of Queenstown’s residents will be represented by ‘zones’.

From ‘Haere Mai’ and ‘Bonjour’ to ‘Olá’ and ‘Sat Sri Akal’, each area will feature flavours, sights and sounds from all corners of the world.

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival Manager Lisa Buckingham said the finale event was going to be “a real crowd pleaser” and one not to be missed.

“Every year the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival starts on a high and this year we’ll end on one too,” said Lisa.

“It brings together everything that makes Queenstown and the Winter Festival so special, mainly the people.

“It’s the perfect way to celebrate those who have moved from all over the world to settle in our little slice of heaven. It’s a great to end the Festival with a bang and springboard into our winter season.”

In the uniquely-New Zealand zone, Queenstown Primary School will delight the senses with a warm Hangi and performances from their Kapa Haka group. The Queenstown Deer Stalkers Association will dish out yummy Venison burgers, in keeping with the ‘local’ theme.

The South American area promises to be a veritable mix of spice and all things exotic, with gourmet sausages and sandwiches from Zamora Homemade along with performances by Carmen the South American Flamenco dancer.

The Remarkables Primary School stall will take festival-goers across the seas to the USA, selling American-style chocolate brownies and themed entertainment from pupils throughout the evening.

Other international food delicacies will include hearty Guinness pies from Ireland, warming Belgian waffles, piping-hot Indian bhajis and steaming French onion soup.

Adding even more interactivity to the night, Auckland Airport will provide maps to help revellers ‘navigate’ their way, with a prize draw for those who make it all the way around the world and back to the Auckland Airport tent at Earnslaw Park.

Auckland Airport Marketing Manager Bridget Spraggon said: “I’ve been told that the local Queenstown community can’t do without Queenstown Primary School’s famous hot apple crumble. So, while it’s still going to be a highlight of the night, it won’t be in the usual place, so people will have to grab a map and go hunting.”

Other exciting elements include a new mulled wine area at the top of Queenstown Mall with an acoustic set from original Songstars winner Holly Arrowsmith, The Rock Formation stage, fire performers and a blues area.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to take a small trip around the world without actually leaving Queenstown. Grab your friends, flatmates or family and head down with an empty tummy, a sense of adventure and a woolly hat,” said Lisa.

“It’ll be one of the best nights of the Festival.”

To see the full line up of the programme and individual event details check out the complete American Express Queenstown Winter Festival calendar online at www.winterfestival.co.nz or pick up a programme at information outlets throughout the region.

Background to the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival
WINTER STARTS HERE! From 21 June to 30 June, the 2013 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival celebrates 39 years of winter fun and festivities with 10 days of totally outrageous and uniquely Queenstown events. Join us on Facebook or Twitter, or keep an eye on www.winterfestival.co.nz to be first with the latest news and hot updates.

Started in 1975, the Festival was born when a group of clever locals thought the arrival of snow was a ‘great excuse for a party’. The group organised races on the mountain and in town, lollies for the kids, beers for the grown-ups, a concert or two and a local ball, all of which were a great success. News quickly spread and over the years it has grown in size and stature to become the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter celebration.

Despite phenomenal growth, the Festival has stayed true to its roots and is still a Festival by the community, for the community. It has evolved to forge a unique identity as New Zealand’s premier celebration of all things winter and holds a special place in the heart of Queenstowners.

ENDS

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