The final programme for the 2011 New Zealand Winter Games festival has been confirmed, and for Queenstown it will bring a number of previously unannounced music and community events.
Off-mountain events around the August 11-28 Winter Games - dubbed the Downtown Sessions - include a series of off-piste events designed to create a down-town festival atmosphere.
After the sessions begin on August 12 with the Parklife Rail Jam - a free event with music and freestyle skiers and snowboarders competing on a custom-built snow structure in Earnslaw Park - an afterparty at Subculture nightclub, featuring Kiwi drum and bass outfit Antiform kicks off a programme of "extra gigs".
A new addition to the line-up the next day is Underground Production's version of musical revue, London Calling, featuring the Rock And Roll Suicide Choir, at the Arrowtown Hall.
Described as a "multi-media song and dance experience", the production revisits the music of bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and the Sex Pistols against a backdrop of the social conditions that inspired the music.
That same night, the entertainment continues with the Burton Open Sessions concert at the Queenstown Events Centre, featuring New Zealand favourites Shihad, Kora, Tiki Taane, Optimus Gryme, and local Dj Downtown Brown.
Gigs at Revolver, include New Zealand acts and London-based alternative rockers I Am Giant, and more music is scheduled at the Pig & Whistle, Subculture, Barmuda, Kawarau Village and the Nue Lounge at Sofitel.
A number of events in Remarkables Park, include a family activity day and a mid-winter market day.
Festival Manager Malcolm Blakey said the Winter Games team was very excited about the size and quality of the final Downtown Sessions, as well as the support received from local businesses, volunteers and supporters.
Queenstown will host the able-bodied and adaptive Alpine and Giant Slalom Winter Games events at Coronet Peak.
