Ponsonby Comes Out Of The Closet To Tell All
The city suburb famed for its rich and diverse history gears up for The Auckland Heritage Festival this September, by
inviting members of the public to contribute to the unique tale of PONSONBY.
Building on the success of last year, The Auckland Heritage Festival brings history to life in its diverse nine day
programme spanning city-wide. With an exciting series of events planned, Ponsonby calls on anyone who has a story,
anecdote or small relic to come forward and take part in the action on offer in Auckland’s most colourful inner city
suburb.
“Ponsonby has been the home to many great artists, politicians, musicians and has the most amazing stories to tell” says
Ponsonby Road Promotions CEO Brigid Rogers. Whilst the district has seen the likes of Freda Stark, Michael
Joseph-Savage, Graham Brazier and renowned brothel madam Flora MacKenzie, frequent its streets, Ponsonby Road Promotions
opens up this year’s festival to everyone – no matter how big or small the contribution. “It’s the extraordinary people
who work, visit and live in Ponsonby both now and in the past that give it’s magnetic personality, so we felt strongly
that the ideas for these events should be generated by them” says Rogers.
Excited by the unlimited potential on offer Ponsonby Road Promotions is open to any and all suggestions. These may
include stories about Ponsonby history – music, art, buildings and people; submissions of memorabilia – clothing, coins,
musical instruments, documents and photographs; and anyone who would like to actively take part by performing, parading
… or partying (well it is Ponsonby after all).
In a story that reflects both extreme poverty and great wealth, told by a collection of bishops, prostitutes, actors,
writers, All Blacks, romantics and revolutionaries, Ponsonby’s contribution to The Auckland Heritage Festival is sure to
see nine days of revelry that celebrate the flamboyant and unique identity of Auckland’s city fringe district.
Incorporating Anniversary day on the 18th of September, The Auckland Heritage Festival runs from the 16th-24th of
September. Last year’s programme included guided walks and tours, exhibits, displays, maritime trips, films, art,
architecture and family friendly activities. The full programme will be available in July.
To be able to look back upon one's past life with satisfaction is to live twice. - Lord Acton
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