As the temperature in Queenstown dropped last night, the crowds began to swell at Earnslaw Park, ready for one of the most anticipated event in this year's Queenstown Winter Festival.
However, there was some confusion and the disappointment was palpable after the crowd slowly learned the Mardi Gras parade, which in the past has featured Donna Demente masks, stilt walkers, fire dancers, and other performers, was not being held this year.
Traffic was heavy along Frankton Rd by 5pm, with many people travelling in to the CBD to take in the sights, sounds and spirit of the Mardi Gras.
Despite the absence of the parade, the thousands gathered on Earnslaw Park and along Beach St were in good spirits, warming themselves with mulled wine and keeping hunger at bay by visiting the many food stalls lining the streets.
Wakatipu High School's Rockformation helped to warm the crowd up, along with London-based I Am Giant, local stars The Cartel, and Queenstown's Ukelele Orchestra, before the headline act, Dragon, took to the stage at 8.30pm, putting the party into top gear.
Yesterday afternoon, Wakatipu senior citizens arrived at Memorial Hall for the annual seniors luncheon with entertainment provided by talented Queenstown Primary School children, performing everything from songs, to magic tricks.
The Comedy Gala was staged at the Ice Box again last night, following a sold-out show on Monday.
Dai Henwood led the comedy charge and Steve Wrigley, Ben Hurley, Paul Ego, Jeremy Ellwood and Michelle A'Court delivered line after line of hilarity.
The festival action continues today with the Downtown Day, featuring the popular Drag Race event, and the Dodgeball Championship, another new event on this year's programme, featuring New Zealand professional surfer Maz Quinn.
Tonight Pop to Pagliacci will be held at the Ice Box, before the Winter Poker Challenge at SkyCity Queenstown Casino and Late Night Laughs.
