Things to do  |  29 Oct 2019

People heading to one of the biggest public fireworks displays in Christchurch will be able to get a free bus ride home.

The Treetech Fireworks Spectacular at New Brighton Pier is being held this Friday, 1 November, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of people to Christchurch’s eastern suburbs.

With some temporary road closures in places around the pier for security and safety reasons, people attending the event are being encouraged to walk, cycle or bus to New Brighton.

Eastgate Mall, in Linwood, has agreed to allow people heading to the fireworks to park in the mall carpark. From Eastgate Mall, they can then hop on the Yellow Line bus to New Brighton.

To help people get home after the fireworks display, Environment Canterbury has agreed to waive the fares on buses leaving New Brighton.

The last bus will leave New Brighton at 11.15pm.

Check bus schedules and route information.

“Anyone getting on board a Metro bus to leave New Brighton after the fireworks will be given a special ticket to ride that bus for free,’’ says Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore.

“If they need to catch another bus to complete their journey, they just need to show their ticket to the driver and that ride will be free too.’’

Ms Blackmore is encouraging people to get to New Brighton early and to make a night of it.

“Traditionally this public fireworks display has taken place on 5 November, Guy Fawkes, but we’ve shifted the event to a Friday night so families can enjoy the event without having to rush home afterwards because of school commitments the next day.

“There is going to be Tinstletown-themed entertainment and food trucks in New Brighton Mall from 6pm so people can have a night off cooking and spend some fun time with friends and family before the fireworks start at 9pm,’’ Ms Blackmore says.

“We’ve got a fantastic pyrotechnic display planned, with the fireworks set to the tune of Hollywood blockbusters so it will be a great night out.’’

The music accompanying the fireworks will be live-streamed on 92.1 MoreFM.

If the weather is unsuitable for fireworks, the event will be postponed until Saturday 2 November.

You can listen to 92.1 MoreFM or keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page and webpage to get updates on whether the event is going ahead.