Queenstown’s about to get lit.
Tonight night the DFS Winter Fireworks display’s set to light up the night sky over Queenstown Bay, marking the start of winter and the school holidays.
The event’s also aiming to raise money for localised climate, conservation and biodiversity action, supporting charity initiative Love Queenstown.
The party starts at 5.30pm at Queenstown Bay, with street performances — including contemporary dancers and hula performers in an illuminated display — and giveaways, while many local businesses are supporting the event.
A DFS pop-up cart will include giveaways and Patagonia hot chocolates; other food vendors include Francesca’s Pizza, Old
Mates Smokehouse, popcorn, hotdog and candy floss stalls, and a Lions Club sausage sizzle.
Throughout the evening, the Love Queenstown silent auction will feature items such as watches, sunglasses, handbags, fragrances and more from DFS.
Contributions from local businesses include a high country cabin getaway valued at $2000, a vineyard tour with tastings and lunch for up to four from Cloudy Bay, a two-hour cruise for up to six guests on the Pacific Jemm with a trust-the-chef food and drinks experience from Eichardt’s, and a chocolate hamper from Patagonia.
Interested bidders can scan a QR code at various display points on the waterfront or through DFS social media.
There’s also a Love Queenstown photo comp, where people are encouraged to snap a pic and share it on social media — by tagging @dfsnewzealandofficial and @lovequeenstown — and one person could be in to win a DFS gift hamper valued at $1000.
And, to further support Love Queenstown, DFS is hosting a special experience on the Million Dollar Cruise.
Boat owners Betty and Wayne Perkins have contributed the use of the boat for the evening to support the cause, with a welcome cocktail, a DFS goodie bag, canapes, a 30-minute cruise and a front-row seat to watch the fireworks.
Limited tickets are available through Eventbrite for $50; all proceeds go to Love Queenstown.
T Galleria by DFS general manager Mario Gabriel says he’s grateful for support from the wider community, acknowledging the
businesses that have come on board to support the initiative.
The fireworks are set to go off at 6.30pm.
