Things to do  |  6 Jun 2024

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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 6 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.”

More information about the free bus service and the Winter Fireworks Spectacular can be found at What’s On.

The Winter Fireworks Spectacular is the first of several events on Christchurch City Council’s winter events programme, with KidsFest beginning the same day.

KidsFest is offering more than 200 activities for kids aged 0-17 during the winter school holidays.

Now in its 33rd year, the annual event offers a plethora of free and affordable activities for young people throughout the school holidays, from 6–21 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 online at kidsfest.co.nz 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 go on sale at kidsfest.co.nz from 9am next Thursday 13 June. Demand will be high, so be in quick!