Winter holiday fun with fireworks and KidsFest
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 6th June 2024
School holidays will be off to a cracker start with the annual Winter Fireworks Spectacular, followed by two packed weeks of KidsFest mania.
New Brighton is the place to be on Saturday 6th July for an evening of family entertainment, local food vendors and a spectacular fireworks display, says Christchurch City Council Manager of Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore.
Set off from the end of the New Brighton Pier, the fireworks show starts at 7.30pm and runs for approximately 15 minutes.
“This year the soundtrack accompanying the fireworks display has an 80s theme, featuring iconic hits by Queen, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, Talking Heads and more,” she says.
“The event zone at the car park on Marine Parade - north of the pier - will also feature 80s fever,” Ms Blackmore says, “with a DJ set by DJZ and The Hits FM hosting fun, family-friendly entertainment from 5.30pm to 8pm. Food vendors will be onsite to offer a range of dinner and snack options for everyone making a night of it."
A free bus ride home on the Route 5 or Route 60 bus will also be offered this year. Additional buses taking these routes as far as the Bus Interchange will also be in service to meet the demand.
“We hope these familiar routes to the Bus Interchange will make it nice and easy for people to get home.”
Get more information about the free bus service and the Winter Fireworks Spectacular.
The Winter Fireworks Spectacular is the first of several events on Christchurch City Council’s winter events programme, with KidsFest beginning the same day.
Now in its 33rd year, the annual event offers a plethora of free and affordable activities for young people throughout the school holidays, from 6th to 21st July. It takes place in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Selwyn and Waimakariri.
“Whether they’re musically inclined, fascinated by technology or love being outdoors, there are literally hundreds of activities on offer to stave off any winter boredom,” says Ms Blackmore.
“KidsFest welcomes back perpetual favourites like The Christchurch Brick Show, while also introducing a bunch of exciting new events this year.
Browse the full list of KidsFest events online and start building your own schedule!
“It’s a great opportunity for children and young people to get out of their comfort zone and have fun experiences during the holidays. Kids can extend themselves in their areas of interest, as well as discover new hobbies and passions.”
Tickets for KidFest go on sale from 9am on Thursday 13th June 2024. Demand will be high, so be in quick!