There’ll be two weeks of events, performances and activities organised by groups within the community, including the always popular queer fair Out in the Park, followed by the Pride Parade on Saturday 16 March.
The 2019 festival coincides with the ILGA World Conference, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community from all around Aotearoa and the world will gather at the Michael Fowler Centre from 18-22 March.
Mayor Justin Lester is proud that Wellington celebrates and embraces its diversity.
“The capital has always been a strong supporter of the Pride movement, and the next fortnight will really showcase the vibrancy, creativity, multi-cultural, and inclusive nature of our queer community, its friends and supporters,” says the Mayor.
Councillor Nicola Young, Arts Portfolio lead, has been involved in the festival as a member of the Wellington International Pride Parade board.
“The rainbow community has a colourful history, but despite priding ourselves on Wellington’s inclusiveness, there are still members of our society who are discriminated against.
“The Pride Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate and be open about our differences, our identity, our challenges, and our alliances.”
Saturday 16 March kicks-off with Out in the Park in Te Ngākau Civic Square from 10.30am. There’ll be fun, festivities, and it’ll be quite the drag! Highlight of the day is always the absolutely pawsitively Pooches in Park, starting at 2pm.
Followed by the Pride Parade. Now in its third year, the theme is FIRE: ahi - hei whakaatu i to hiahia mo to hapori | ignite your passion for your community.
Starting at 6pm on Tennyson Street, the parade will make its way through Wellington’s Courtenay Place area, concluding at the waterfront adjacent Mac’s Brewery.
Spectators can line the streets and join in the celebrations with the parade participants, consisting of a diverse range of floats and walking groups.