Turn Up the Heat in central Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch’s newest festival will give people more than 60 reasons to come into the central city next month.

The new festival, Turn Up the Heat, will run throughout August with more than 60 events ranging from roaming characters, comedy, cabaret, drag, variety shows and a fiery food competition.

ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council, Christchurch Central City Business Association, Hospitality NZ and Property Council New Zealand are behind the festival.

The fiery theme is about bringing energy, excitement and spice to the Central City during the last month of winter.

The festival will feature a mix of art and performances, focusing on Ōtautahi artists. There’s a martini murder mystery at Elizas Manor; ‘The Make Over Shack’ - performative five-minute makeovers by performer Shay Horay’s alter ego; ‘Ladies who Brunch’ - a drag brunch; ‘Before Karma Gets Us’ - a wild clown, comedy, magic show at Little Andromeda; pop-up classical concerts, a secret piano bar, Cubbin concert for children, and plenty more.

A wild world of heat will be brought to the Central City as 50+ of the city's best restaurants, cafes and bars battle for spice supremacy with a fiery food competition. Each venue will serve a spicy dish, from hot and spicy chicken at Empire Chicken to chocolate and peppers dessert from Sweet Soul Patisserie, Pani Puri Bhoot Jholakia and a margarita trail. There will be something to get everyone's taste buds tingling. 

Head to turnuptheheat.nz for more info.