A bunch of exciting community events are sure to bring Queenstowners closer together at the 33rd Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival, which starts on June 22.

The Bayley’s Festival Parade on Saturday 23rd June where up to 30 floats full of colour, costumes, characters and entertainers weave their way around the CBD of downtown Queenstown is expected to continue to be one of the most popular community events on the festival calendar.

Bayleys General Manager Fiona McKissock said the company chose to sponsor the festival parade for the first time this year because it represented a special day of fun and entertainment for all of Queenstown.

“Bayleys is delighted to be involved with the Festival Parade this year,” said McKissock. “It’s always a riot of colour and noise thanks to the extraordinarily high standards of entries from community groups and businesses. It all helps create a really vibrant atmosphere and Bayleys is really looking forward to being part of that.”

After a long break, the legendary Skyline Gutbuster is back to inject some pain and suffering into this year’s Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival on Sunday 24th June. The event will raise funds for the Bruce Grant Youth Trust through an entry fee for corporate teams, families and individuals.

The off-road running/walking race from the bottom of the Sofitel steps to the top of the Skyline Gondola will be followed by a tasty sausage sizzle to rejuvenate tired legs and later a prize-giving at the Skyline Restaurant.

Broadcaster Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson (Classic Hits breakfast presenter) will MC the event.

“The Bruce Grant Youth Trust was set up in 1996 after local skiing legend and adventurer Bruce Grant died while descending K2 in the Himalayas,” said Ferguson.

“The trust has distributed over $120,000 over the past 10 years. Bruce was a multiple winner of the Dash For Cash at previous festivals and it’s great to see The Bruce Grant Youth Trust back on the programme.”

Families kick off the school holidays with a bang at the Remarkables Park Family Fun Day on Saturday 30 June where the focus is on fun-filled family action.

Among other highlights, a visit by VIP guest Ronald McDonald will delight kids with a magic show, dog owners (children and parents) are invited to put their pooch’s best paw forward and enter the Warehouse Wonder Dog competition on the day, while the ASB Snow Dig, H & J’s Fancy Dress Competition, ‘element’ climbing wall and a snowman making competition are guaranteed to keep everyone amused with plenty of prizes to go around.

Remarkables Park Managing Director Alastair Porter, a first-time sponsor of the event, said he was looking forward to welcoming and entertaining Queenstown families.

“This event enables Remarkables Park to give something back to our loyal Queenstown families,” said Porter. “It’s a big thank you from us for all the support we’ve received from locals over years.”

The Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival runs from June 22 to July 1. Festival favourites and some new events are back on the calendar, which is a mix of ticketed and free activities. Tickets for events are on sale from Ticket Direct nationwide and i-site Queenstown.

Courtesy of the Winter Festival Team - www.winterfestival.co.nz