Things to do  |  11 May 2022

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Keeping the kids entertained this winter holidays will be a breeze with hundreds of activities and events planned for KidsFest in 2022.

The Council-produced Winter Fireworks Spectacular at New Brighton is also set to coincide with the first day of the festival, which runs from Saturday 9 July to Sunday 24 July.

KidsFest is produced by Christchurch City Council for the KidsFest Charitable Trust. Running since 1992, the festival includes events for kura aged tamariki in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Waimakariri and Selwyn.

Christchurch City Council Manager Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore says that planning is in full swing.

“KidsFest is all about creating memories for kids and families through educational and entertaining activities. We’re on track to deliver over 300 activity options, both in person and online.”

The full KidsFest schedule will be posted online from Monday 30 May. Find out more and get updates at kidsfest.co.nz.

KidsFest is part of the Council’s winter events programme which has been impacted by COVID-19 over the last couple of years.

“It’s great to have some more certainty this year and see our revamped winter schedule start to settle into place,” says Ms Blackmore.

The mid-winter fireworks display, first introduced in 2021, is back this year.

“The new timing proved to be really popular with families last year. Darker evenings in winter mean the action can get underway much earlier, so kids don’t have to stay up past their bedtime to enjoy the fireworks.”

The Winter Fireworks Spectacular will take place on Saturday 9 July in New Brighton.  

“The fireworks display will start at 7:00pm and will be set to a soundtrack of modern Kiwi classics. This is a great way to start the winter school holidays and KidsFest.”

“We’re excited to have a great schedule of events spread throughout the winter season, starting with the Tīrama Mai lighting festival which celebrates Matariki from 24 June to 3 July,” says Ms Blackmore.

Tīrama Mai, the Winter Fireworks Spectacular, and many KidsFest activities are free to attend.

Learn more at ccc.govt.nz/whatson.