Christchurch is set to be blessed by a wonderful concoction of light, sound, movement and food when the Christchurch Arts Festival takes over from July 26 – August 4. Kick-starting the festival is a free opening spectacle called A Winter’s Tale, which will be led by Free Theatre who will provide an immersive experience along the new City Promenade. The festival is also tapped to feature multi-award-winning performances, workshops, shows, a Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāi Tahu Market and hāngī for a 1000 people.

Festival director George Parker says, “It’ll be a mid-winter carnival that will bring our community together and, along with the rest of the programme, bring a sense of warmth, reflection and renewal to Christchurch as we make our way towards spring.”

Other performances locked in include The Clearing – a contemporary dance performance by renowned choreographer Ross McCormack; songstresses Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo and Flip Grater who will perform alongside Burnside High School’s Bel Canto choir (who they were once part of), and poet Tusiata Avia, plus more!

Rally the troops, nab some tickets and celebrate this exciting week-long extravaganza and the bold innovation and dynamic creativity the city is renowned for.

artsfestival.co.nz