Festival organiser Oliver Harcus said the events were aimed at the small town’s younger crowd.
"Probably not the most important event for myself personally as a queer 30-year-old ... but I know that for our youth, it’s very important just to have us here visible for them," he said.
The event was started to combat the actions of a Mount Aspiring College parent who tried to interrupt a pride event in 2023.
The school organised several activities, including a voluntary parade for students.
However, the day before the rainbow-themed parade, a parent of students at the school made a homophobic comment on his public Facebook page, encouraging other parents to send their children to school in black.
"Mount Aspiring College stick your pride day up your a... your [sic] sick," he wrote.
"If you agree let your kids where [sic] black tomorrow. S.... gone to [sic] far."
This reaction inspired the local group to set up the annual event and create a safe space.
"It’s just about putting out that message of we are here, we are everywhere. It does get better."
This year the events will take place over four days with a queer film festival, a queers and beers evening, drag bingo and the finale being a major street party and a pride after dark event.
Mr Harcus said the celebrations had already had an impact on young people in the rainbow community who were prone to feeling alone in a small town.
"Being a rural town, there probably isn’t always the visibility that you would have in a big city.
"I’ve had people come give me a hug. I’ve had parents let me know that their kids just really appreciate being around."
Mr Harcus said they were also aiming to work with Kahu Youth and local schools to further their own queer communities.
The vision was to get more funding and employ someone part-time who would work directly with the schools and youth.
They were also looking at creating social groups for the rainbow community or even parents of queer youth and queer parents.
The events start on Wednesday with an event every night until Saturday’s Street party on Ardmore St.
— Allied Media
