Festival head-turners
Members of the Remarkable Men's Ballet, from left, Irik Anderson, Steve Kay, Jim Curry, Uan Spijkerbosch and Jake Neaves, surrounded by Arrowtown's Buckingham Belles, from left, Amanda MacPherson, Diana Cowie, Marion Vulliermet, Jacqui Elson and Heather Beard. PHOTO: TRACEY ROXBURGH
It's an Arrowtown Autumn Festival first.
Now in its 39th year, this year's festival — which starts today — will feature six highly-skilled (according to them) local dancers who are hell-bent on bringing the entertainment value.
The Remarkable Men's Ballet troupe, traditionally only trotted out at the annual Queenstown Christmas Show, have this year been invited to perform — in their much-loved tutus — at today's Super Seniors High Tea, in the Athenaeum Hall, and as part of the lunchtime entertainment on the Buckingham Green tomorrow, between 1 and 3pm.
Additionally, they'll take part in Saturday's street parade, which starts at 2pm.
Autumn festival co-ordinator Vanessa Williams says she "cannot wait" to see the burly ballet boys in full flight, performing a routine, fittingly set to Vivaldi's Autumn, choreographed by Claire Hazledine.
Balletman Uan Spijkerbosch is full of confidence ahead of their special performances.
"We think we've got it. It's solid, it's dynamic, and we've nailed it."
Williams says the weather forecast for the duration of the festival's looking great, and the leaves have turned at the perfect time.
She's particularly looking forward to the Saturday events, which run from 8am till 4pm — drawcards include the market day, street parade, this year featuring about 40 entries, street entertainers and a vintage car display.
Williams says she's also curious about two new events on Sunday.
First up is the 'Pub Choir', at which punters can pop into the Athenaeum Hall at 3.30pm, and enjoy a pint while learning a couple of songs under the guidance of Natasha Wilson (In Harmony) and Rozy Winstone (SkyTop Children's Theatre), and then belt them out as a community chorus.
Following that is the R18 'Casino Royale', at the New Orleans Hotel, at which ticket-holders can enjoy a night of gambling, food and drinks to bring the festival to a close.
Williams, who's organising the festival for the first time this year, says she's "so excited" about what's to come.
"I think everything's coming together swimmingly ... the only questionable factor is how many pumpkins we get in [for tomorrow's Pumpkin Comp]."
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