10 Feb 2017

The sky above North Hagley Park will come alive with a magical fireworks display on Saturday night during the finale of the popular Sparks in the Park concert

Fireworks above Hagley Park.

The popular Sparks concert promises to end with a bang.

This free family event will see the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra taking concert-goers on a musical journey around the world. Pre-show entertainment will start at 5.30pm with Court Jesters, Justice Brass and fairies roaming around the crowd.

The main show opens at 7.30pm with Kenneth Young conducting the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra through the programme featuring popular pieces from Bolero to the theme song from American western Magnificent Seven. Keep an eye out for special appearances from guest performers Harry Grigg, Tama Waipara, Jennine Bailey and Fuzhun, winners of the Canterbury Regional Smokefree Rockquest.  

The spectacular fireworks finale will light up the sky to the rousing Sorcerer’s Apprentice orchestral piece before the event finishes at 10pm. There will be no event parking in Hagley Park so remember to leave plenty of time to park and walk, or take a bus.

Sumner Rocks

You can also hit the beach at Sumner on Saturday for the free Sumner Rocks: Bands on the Beach event.  There will be a great line-up of bands including Amiria Grenell, Dance Asthmatics, The Wendys, Blair Parkes and Cardigan Bay, Othersun, Bryony, Matthews & Indigo Wolf.  The bands will be on stage from 1pm to 5pm and there will be plenty of free kids activities and entertainment, including games, a bouncy castle and face painting.  

Coast to Coast

Head to New Brighton beach on Saturday afternoon and cheer on the gutsy competitors as they reach the end of the epic race. New Brighton is the finishing line for the Coast  to Coast, which has become a rite of passage for multisport athletes from around the world. Enjoy the festivities as the first of the teams and individuals competing in the two day event complete the race and marvel at the stamina of the individuals tackling the one-day event. The first of the two-day competitors are expected to reach New Brighton about 2pm while the first of the one-day finishers are expected to cross the finish line about 5pm. 

Night Noodle Market

If you haven't made it along to the Night Noodle Market in Hagley Park yet, this weekend is your last chance. The market is on from 1pm until 10pm on Saturday, and from 1pm until 9pm on Sunday. Dumplings, curry, noodle dishes from every region and grilled meat will be served up at stalls in North Hagley Park with live entertainment from lion dancers and taiko drummers while you eat. Entry to the market is free and the food is priced from $5 to $15.

Inner City East Multicultural Festival

Celebrate Christchurch's growing diversity at the Inner City East Multicultural Festival.  The festival is being held on the southeast corner of Worcester and Stanmore roads between 11am and 3pm on Saturday and will feature craft and ethnic stalls along with a main stage offering a variety of cultural entertainment. A hangi will be available from midday, costing $7 per person.