UPDATED 9:00AM: The skies over Auckland opened with showers early this morning, but the stage is still set for New Zealand's biggest annual LGBT outdoor event, with entertainers, stall holders and guests including Prime Minister Helen Clark confirming they're set for Auckland's Coyle Park this afternoon and hoping for the rain to clear. Truck stop: Setting up in Coyle Park yesterday Big Gay Out organiser Jonathan Smith and his team spent most of yesterday setting up the stage and various tents around the waterside Point Chev park. Stallholders, food vendors and dozens of volunteers will arrive shortly after sunrise this morning to set up their marquees, outlets and tables in preparation for the official Big Gay Out start time of Midday. Prime Minister Helen Clark and Labour MP Chris Carter have both confirmed they will appear at the popular family picnic day today, along with several other MP's and dignitaries expected at the event. Entertainment on the main stage and activities in front of the main stage take place from 12 Noon until 7pm, then attendees have three different options for their after-park 'recovery' event. Kiss bar and Family bar on K' Road will both host elaborate after-parties from 7pm, while James Burgess at Ponsonby Road restaurant SPQR says "there will be a DJ, a boy or two in a dress, and some pink straws for the cocktails," from 5pm this afternoon.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Sunday, 10th February 2008 - 3:41am