Kicking off on the 16th of February, QT ADRENALINE 2023 is an all-new festival for New Zealand’s rainbow community, promising to bring European and North American-styled parties and events to Aotearoa.
With 6 exciting events locked in throughout the week in Queenstown before jumping across the ditch to Sydney, Australia, to kick off Sydney WorldPride, the all-new festival gives LGBTQ+ kiwis the opportunity to experience world-class events in the adventure capital of the world, plus the added bonus of an exclusive, official Pride Amplified, part of Sydney WorldPride.
Speaking with express organisers, Chaz and Abraxas from C and A Presents say that QT Adrenaline is different from other Pride festivals in Aotearoa.
“QT Adrenaline’s difference is that it’s the first festival of its kind here in this region. There hasn’t been a pride event of this magnitude in Queenstown during the summer for our community. Everyone thinks of Queenstown as just a winter destination, and rightly so, but in fact, the summer brings much more options for outdoor activities. We already have the perfect location, now it’s time to explore it deeper.”
While the festival is already packed with events, Chaz and Abraxas say that more events are expected to be added!
“We’re looking forward to engaging with the community, listening to their needs and giving them a platform to make that happen. We want Queenstown to be the next top queer-friendly destination year-round, and part of that is providing the community with more of those opportunities to get together.”
QT Adrenaline also promises to bring a range of local and international talent to festival goers.
“Our roots are in America, and our partnership with long-time friend Paul Nicholls, allows us to provide unprecedented access to top international heavyweight DJs in House Music. So far, we have confirmed the following artists: ENRICO MELONI (Italy), SURI (Spain), NINA FLOWERS (Puerto Rico), ARNO DIEM (France), DOM de SOUSA (Australia), FABRICIO SAN (Brazil), JORDAN ESKRA (New Zealand).”
“We’re also showcasing some of our own talent who are Queenstown residents, such as CHARLIE C. (United Kingdom), LENNY VIBE (New Zealand), and IAN BALMACEDA (Chile).”
“We will also feature some of the best Drag Queens and prominent LGBTQIA+ Artists that represent the places we love, like where we come from, where we grew up, and where we live,” the duo add.
“We have artists on board such as LAGANJA ESTRANJA (United States), KITA MEAN (New Zealand), SCARLET ADAMS (Australia), ANITA WIG’LIT (New Zealand), NOVA STARR (New Zealand), plus more to be announced…”
Chaz and Abraxas say that QT Adrenaline has been put together to appeal to everyone in the rainbow community.
“QT Adrenaline is made for people who come from diverse backgrounds with a passion for travel, health, fitness, music festivals, sightseeing and adrenaline-pumping activities.”
“Queenstown is renowned for being the ‘home of adventure’ and an ideal location for this type of event. We want to show the immense beauty of the place we call home and warmly welcome all our friends from around the world! There are so many great things to do, from wine-tasting to skydiving or bungy-jumping off a bridge in the middle of a party! This is for the thrill-seekers … It’s all about trying something different and new!”
Along with the Queenstown events, Chaz and Abraxas are also organising an exclusive Sydney event as a part of ‘Pride Amplified’, Sydney WorldPride.
“We are representing New Zealand on the world stage and kicking off the festivities with a sunset cruise! There will be many activities and parties exploring all types of themes, so we decided the city of sails needed a nautical theme – something fun, whimsical, with a dash of surrealism”
“The Starship Sydney was the obvious choice. It’s a stunning superyacht, it fits about 800 people. We will have drag performances and surprise guests. We’re looking forward to being part of ‘herstory’ by participating in the first WorldPride to be held in the Southern Hemisphere!”
Ultimately Chaz and Abraxas say they want festival-goers to have the time of their lives and make memories through experiences they will cherish for years.
“Our goal is to bring people together from all walks of life. We want QT Adrenaline to be a place where you make friends from all around the world.”
“This event is about celebrating love and unity. What’s happening now back in the U.S, where our rights are under attack or on the verge of being taken away from us again, it’s like a never-ending fight. We want to send out a message of hope, courage, and to not be complacent in the face of adversity.”
“In order for us to make change, we have to normalize and keep up our visibility in society. Let us counter the narrative of hate with kindness and love.”
Tickets, including a Weekend Experience Pass – which will grant you access to all featured events in Queenstown, are available now via QT Adrenaline’s website or at Eventbrite.co.nz.
Express readers get a special 10% discount using the code “GXP10” upon checkout
