17 Oct 2018

Food and the city are the focal points of Christchurch’s biggest and brightest street party, FEASTA!

The centrepiece of FESTA – a public festival of architecture, design and food – the party kicks off in Mollett Street on Saturday 20 October, when the whole city block will be transformed.

In collaboration with Creative Director Barnaby Bennett, four leading artists and more than 130 design and architecture students from across Australia and New Zealand – along with professionals – will weave their 17 food-related installations into the celebration.

FEASTA! will light up Mollett Street.

FESTA 2016's event, Lean Means. Photo: Peanut Productions Photography

The party will feature large-scale, interactive installations, including unique bamboo structures for feasting, a bar of the future, the Little Asia Food Market, music from The Big Band Festival, a speakers’ corner and demonstration station, activities and plenty to eat and drink.

Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Karena Finnie says FESTA showcases a city in positive transition.

“FESTA’s focus on urban creativity and regeneration sets the tone for a fun-filled weekend, culminating in the Saturday night street party, titled FEASTA! It promises to whet the city’s appetite for innovation and opportunities,” Ms Finnie says.

The 2018 FESTA programme gets under way on 19 October, setting the scene for a busy Labour Day weekend. More than 50 events feature in the programme exploring how food is an integral part of the urban fabric and connects places, people and ideas.

Among the events are the Ōtautahi Survivor Treasure Hunt for local food, Pizzas and Butterflies: An Open Community Housewarming in Kahikatea Common in the South Frame, and Food and Funk at the Dance-O-Mat in Gloucester Street.

People are being urged to hop on a bus or cycle into the city and leave their bikes at the Bus Interchange's cycle parking space during Saturday night’s FEASTA!

Festival goers can also opt to park in The Crossing, West End and Hereford Street car parks.