Auckland is in for a treat this World Pride as URGE Events presents their biggest most-inclusive party ever, taking over three iconic K Road venues on Saturday 29 June!
URGE’s World Pride party will be the most inclusive event, the brand, known for their ‘men’s’ parties have ever put on.
“I remember when we had great Pride parties in New Zealand like Hero,” explains one-half of the team behind URGE Events, Paul Heard. “They were totally inclusive and we all had so much fun.”
His business partner Everett Wayne, who came up in the queer scenes of California, enjoyed similar experiences of the USA’s Pride parties.
Urge Events Co-owners Paul ‘Papa Bear’ Heard & Everett Wayne.
“Hugo Gurrrl had an NYE party and invited me to GoGo dance, giving representation for older Bears,” Paul tells us. “I had an absolute blast and my friends who came along did too, so that also inspired me.”
URGE’s World Pride party will take place on Saturday 29 June, taking over Phoenix, POP Bar and G.A.Y Auckland; three venues that are internally joined by an internal staircase at the back of the clubs.
“The venues have come together with us to make this night work for all,” Paul says, highlighting that this is an “opportunity to have a fantastic night on 3 levels not seen in many years.”
URGE Events co-owner Everett says the sense of unity, bringing together Rainbow communities and multiple venues, felt important at this time.
“The community is under attack more so from fundamentalists and politicians to a greater level than we have experienced for many years,” he tells us.
Each venue of this three-level party will offer a different vibe.
Advertisement
Pheonix on Level One will offer high energy Pop and House Music, drag shows from the likes of Miss Geena and Hugo Grrrl, lasers lighting up the dance floor and more performances.
POP Bar (on ground level) will be offering more chilled-out sounds. This will a great space to catch up with friends and enjoy a cocktail, while (basement level) G.A.Y will feature deeper, darker and heavier dance music, along with URGE’s signature ‘cuddle room’!
“There will be a cuddle room for those that wish to venture in,” confirms Paul. “No pressure on anyone to join in, you can just be you and enjoy yourselves at your level.”
These venues aren’t the only ones getting involved. K Road institution Eagle Bar will house the official pre-party and are selling tickets from URGE World Pride from behind the bar!
URGE World Pride won’t just be about having a good time. Profits from the night will also be distributed to organisations doing good in the community, including Gender Dynamix Aotearoa, Body Positive and the Burnett Foundation.
“We will be requesting the money be spent on resources to reach people who need their services, especially rural and small towns. I know that is easier said than done but let’s get this started!” The co-owners tell us enthusiastically.
URGE World Pride is one of many exciting parties the team have planned for 2024. In conjunction with YOUR EX on 20 July they will put on an URGE party at the iconic venue, Wunderbar, in Lyttelton, Christchurch, and the following month fundraise for the gay and inclusive rugby club, The Falcons at URGE Locker Room, taking place at K Road’s Phoenix on Saturday 10 August. Follow URGE Events for more info.
You can book tickets for URGE World Pride HERE. The party will take place at 258 K Road, Auckland and include sets from world-class DJs Donald Bennett, James Leuii, Ryan Borne, Bokki, Everett Wayne and many more!
Each venue of this three-level party will offer a different vibe.
URGE World Pride won’t just be about having a good time. Profits from the night will also be distributed to organisations doing good in the community, including Gender Dynamix Aotearoa, Body Positive and the Burnett Foundation.
