Rainbow leis were proudly worn as a sign of support for inclusion and diversity at the official opening party of Winter Pride in Queenstown on Saturday night.
Hundreds of festival-goers began the 10-day event by dancing the night away at the "Club Tropicana" opening party, which was held at two CBD venues, World Bar and Vinyl Underground.
Organiser Martin King said a record number of people attended the opening party; about 450 tickets were sold.
There was an explosion of colour everywhere, Mr King said.
"Lots of celebration, lots of love and just an incredible atmosphere."
Plenty of sunshine came to the party yesterday for mountain activities as part of a pride welcome day at Cardrona.
Looking ahead, highlights include the charity racing day at The Remarkables ski area on Wednesday, ASB Pride in the Park on the Queenstown lakefront on Friday, the Pride ski flag parade day at Cardrona, and the Propaganda White party, at the Queenstown Memorial Centre, both on Saturday.
This year's Winter Pride is the largest pride celebration to be held in the region. The event ran for eight days last year.
