Rings stars delight fans during night vigil

3.15pm - By JAMES GARDINER


Twenty-four hours before The Return of the King premiere was due to even start the crowds began their vigil alongside the red carpet on Courtenay Place in Wellington.

Those who braved the chilly evening were rewarded shortly after midnight when two of The Lord of the Rings stars, Viggo Mortensen and Sir Ian McKellen, went along the lines chatting, signing autographs and thanking them for their dedication.

By early morning, the clear skies heralded the perfect weather everyone had been hoping for and within a short time every front row position on either side of the half kilometre of red carpet had been secured and jealously guarded.

A carnival atmosphere prevailed as joyous teens played cards, shouted greetings, painted their bodies and chatted on their cellphones.

Temperatures rose steadily throughout the morning, with occasional respite from a breeze.

By lunchtime the crowds were up to six rows deep, with many scrambling to hold high vantage points despite the fact they would have to wait at least another four hours for their first glimpse of the parade.

St John Ambulance staff treated several youngsters for heat exhaustion and offered water to the thirsty while Cancer Society volunteers made sure everyone had sunblock, but most of the crowd were suitably (un)dressed for the occasion.

Gretchen Hauptfleisch, 16, from Paraparaumu, slept the night in Courtenay Place from 6pm and woke up at 3am.

"It was so cool. Viggo came down and talked to us. Everyone was playing music from Lord of the Rings."

The party starts at 3.30pm when the cast and crew parade through the streets from Parliament to the red carpet at the Embassy Theatre.


Parade route

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings