Festive performances in the central city

Christmas cheer is coming to the central city thanks to a pop-up stage and live performances arranged by Christchurch City Council.

The stage, which will be located at Hack Circle, in City Mall, will feature performances by local musicians from midday until 4pm, from 17 until 23 December, to bring a festive flavour for shoppers and workers based in central Christchurch.

Manager Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore says the performers include DJ Matt Coppen and a number of students from Ara’s Music Arts Department, who have been invited to belt out Christmas tunes in celebration of the festive season.

“A number of summer events have had to be cancelled because of the uncertainty that Covid-19 has brought, both by the Council and other event providers. But we still wanted to do something that will help signal the holiday season.

“We hope people come into our awesome central city to enjoy the talent on show and get into the Christmas spirit.”

Earlier this month the Council reluctantly announced the cancellation of two of its summer events – the annual New Year’s Eve party in North Hagley Park and family event Kite Day held at New Brighton Beach – due to uncertainties created by the pandemic.

“However, we are eagerly waiting the Government’s announcement on Monday 29 November, which will give more detail about how large events can run under the new Covid Protection Framework.  We’ll then be able to finalise and announce our new summer programme, which we know residents will be eager to support.”

Christmas decorations have also gone in around the central city and include bunting, the City Mission and Vodafone Christmas Tree by the Bridge of Remembrance, tree lights, Christmas trees and reindeer in City Mall and Ballantyne’s Christmas window.

Keep checking What’s On to see what other events are on in Christchurch over the Christmas and New Year period.