Winter Festival Opening party lights up Southern skies

AMERICAN EXPRESS QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL OPENING PARTY LIGHTS UP CLEAR SOUTHERN SKIES

The 42nd American Express Queenstown Winter Festival has begun with thousands of people gathering on the Queenstown waterfront under clear southern skies to dance, feast on street fare and watch spectacular fireworks.

Lisa Buckingham, American Express Queenstown Winter Festival Director said the American Express Opening Party and Fireworks was always a great night as months of organizing came together in a spectacular display.

“Clear skies and a large crowd of families and friends enjoying the American Express Opening Night and Fireworks is what makes it all magical for me,” said Lisa Buckingham.

Local bands Kafka Collective then Red warmed up the crowd for Shane Cortese and the 8 Track Band, and the fireworks display was as vibrant as ever.

Over the next 10 days an estimated 45,000 people will be treated to more than 60 events to mark the 42nd American Express Queenstown Winter Festival. American Express, a 27 year supporter of the Festival is sponsoring the Opening Party and Fireworks, the Festival Street Parade, the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, and the Comedy Debate.

Saturday morning will see the streets of Queenstown lined with local families and visitors to enjoy the annual American Express Festival Street Parade and the MacPac Golden Mile racers sprinting around the streets of Queenstown, while the GoPro Mountain Bikes on Snow will be held at the Remarkables Ski Area for the first time. Saturday night ice hockey fans will cheer on the SKYCITY Stampede against the West Auckland Admirals while a trans-tasman comedic battle will see New Zealand and Australian comedians argue the moot that “New Zealand should be a state of Australia.”

To see the ten day Festival 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.

ENDS

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