13 Feb 2017

Around 65,000 people braved a rather chilly night on Saturday for the annual Sparks spectacular.

Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation and Sports John Filsell said Sparks was a crowd favourite and Saturday’s annual event had been another huge success. 

Conductor at work at Sparks

“We had another fantastic night for Sparks and crowds were similar to those of last year. The weather was great and it capped off what has been a wonderful week in Hagley Park with the Night Noodle Markets operating next to Sparks.

“We’re delighted with how things went, and the slightly cooler evening didn’t deter the community from showing how much they value event. We have a great series of summer events planned for the city and it’s lovely to see people taking the opportunity to enjoy them.”

Fireworks above the crowd at SparksThe free family event starred the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and finished with a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by orchestral piece Sorceror's Apprentice.

The programme ranged from the theme song from The Magnificent Seven through to pieces from Bolero, a popular one-movement orchestral piece from French composer Maurice Ravel which debuted in 1928.

Guest appearances includedHarry Grigg, Tama Waipara, Janine Bailey and Fuzhun.