The merits of a winter sports holiday versus relaxing on the beach will be furiously debated during next month's Great Comedy Debate.

Held as part of the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival, the annual event sold out last year.

This year's topic is "It's better to be an ice queen than a beach bunny".

Television's Rebecca Hobbs, Kerre Woodham and Marcus Lush will argue in favour of sun and sand while Craig Parker, Ginette McDonald and Mark Ferguson will voice their support for the mountains and snow.

Debate organiser Bettina Hollings was delighted the debate was again being included in the festival programme.

The debate will be held on July 15 at the Queenstown Memorial Hall. Tickets are available from the festival media and events centre in Stanley St.

© 2002, Otago Daily Times (Staff Reporter)