Darby Bracken
Google
Most expensive, poorly organized pride event I have been too. Absolutely disappointed in this years events. I have attended for many years and I understand and appreciate that Queenstown is an expensive area to hold events however here are a few of the things I experienced at this year's events:
Event cancellations on the same day with little or no notice. Event venues changes with no notice. One event was intended to be split across two venues, of which cost $120 with the expectation to be able to go between venues. We were all crammed into one venue at final minute with no guest notice. Volunteers on the door said 200 tickets had sold and all had checked in, we were crammed into a venue that really only had capacity for a max 150. It was sardines in a can. You couldn't move. You couldn't access the bar or toilets because of over crowding. It became unbearably hot and what could have been a good night turned quite unpleasant.
My biggest complaint is about the cost of the final party. Last year's final party tickets started at $100, most were $150 then last minute tickets were out up to $200.
This years tickets STARTED at $300 for general admission and then $500 for vip. The description for vip suggested saunas, a black room and showers available. I chose to go for the vip because I've always enjoyed the dark room experience.
We arrived around 11pm, not un normal for an event that goes till 3am. We were in a que to get in, the people in front of us did not have tickets and asked if door sales were available. They were sold door sales that INCLUDED ACCESS to the vip area for $100.
Because of the low turn out on the night (highly likely due to cost) the vip area was opened to all attendees for free. And to top it off, there were no saunas as promised, and they had the dignity to try and charge for towel use if we wanted to use the showers.
I paid $500 to get less that expected, and the same as what someone paid $100 on the door to access.
This to me is absolutely disgusting management and poor organization.
Some events, opening party, Aussie outback, the drag show at sky City, trans and allies cock tails, I thought were wonderful. However I would not go back if prices remain this high and after seeing this years organisation.
There are many pride events help in new Zealand and Australia, this was by far the most expensive, most poorly organized event I have attended.
