A fireworks display and an appearance by When the Cat's Away will launch the 2015 Queenstown Winter Festival on June 19.
The '80s pop sensations head a 10-day programme, which includes comedy, ice hockey, theatre, street parades, mountain mayhem, wine tasting, ''drag'' races and the creation of ''icebergs'' on Lake Wakatipu.
The floating icebergs are part of an art project being created under the direction of local artist Kristin O'Sullivan Peren.
She will work with local school children, the theme being light and sustainability.
Crafted from recycled milk bottles, the icebergs will have solar lanterns placed inside them, creating floating light sculptures.
The sculptures will be launched from Queenstown Bay as part of the Community Carnival.
The sustainability theme would continue after the festival, the icebergs to be dismantled and the solar lanterns sent to victims of the recent Nepal earthquakes.
''Light is a beautiful thing. It is also a very important thing - we need it to live. We have all seen the devastation created by the [Nepal] earthquakes. These lights will help kids in those regions most affected by the quake.
"Just imagine - they can walk home in the dark with them, or use them to light their homes. Such a simple idea, but it means our community can give back in some way. This isn't just a classic conceptual art piece; it allows us to get involved," O'Sullivan Peren said.
Event organiser Lisa Buckingham agreed community engagement was an essential element of the Winter Festival.
''The festival is pretty much something every local holds dear in their heart. It's bringing the whole town to life with such a nice buzz. We are embracing our winter season.''
Organisers aimed to strike a balance between what residents wanted and what visitors expected from the festival, which is in its 41st year.
Favourites include the Birdman competition, where residents jump into the icy waters of Lake Wakatipu in home-made contraptions, all in the name of entertainment.
''All those things that are quintessential Winter Festival features - they make us unique, fun and quirky. Visitors see it as crazy and weird, whereas locals love it,'' she said.
She couldn't pick a favourite event but said she was looking forward to the opening party.
When the Cat's Away will be joined by winners of an online global music competition, Feeling the Street.
Music fans around the world are voting for their favourite street performer who will play at Queenstown Winter Festival.
''I'm very excited about this year's opening party and fireworks. It's going to be a unique night with the Feeling the Street guys,'' Miss Buckingham said.
Local musicians including Holly Arrowsmith, Dom Hazell, Calico and Killer Seas have signed up for free evening music sessions which will run nightly in Earnslaw Park. Rock, country, open mic, acoustic and DJ sets will be among those featured.
Film fans won't be left disappointed as Ghostbusters will be screened on movie night, June 24.
''The fantastic thing is there really is something on offer for everyone. We have 10 days of fantastic events that will bring together the local community and visitors to our town. Everyone can enjoy themselves and celebrate winter together.''
