MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 6 November 2013

For immediate release

Family fun at the Show

This year’s Canterbury A&P Show promises a plethora of family friendly, free activities to entertain and delight Show visitors of all ages with the return of old favourites and the introduction of some new initiatives.

“The annual day out at the Show doesn’t have to cost the earth. You can pre-purchase a family ticket for five people (up to 2 adults and 3 school age children) for $50, bring along your own food and drink and spend the entire day at the Show with heaps of free attractions and activities once inside the gates. We spend a lot of time planning the entertainment programme to ensure that the event continues to represent great value for money for families” said Event Director Geoff Bone.

Organisers are expecting close to 4500 school children and special groups to attend this year’s Canterbury A&P Show as part of the subsidised school/group visits programme offering discounted ticketing for Canterbury schools, selected community organisations and not for profit groups.

Animals

The cornerstone of the Show has always been the animals and competitive showing, with more than 3000 animals expected on site over the three days, including horses, ponies, beef/dairy cattle, sheep, alpacas, llamas, pigs, goats, dog trials and poultry. Animals will be on display in the Vero Livestock Pavilion and in the showing rings as well as various daily parades.

Mike Greer Homes City Farmyard

The ever popular Mike Greer Homes City Farmyard is sure to delight younger audiences. The petting area enables children to get up close with baby animals in an interactive, educational environment. Located nearby is the Sheep Maternity Ward where 50 expectant ewes are due to give birth over the three days of the Show. 

Mike Greer Homes Discovery Trail

On entry to the Show, children can collect a Discovery Trail Map that will lead them around the showground’s to trail points where they can collect reward stamps as they make their way to the final destination, the Mike Greer Homes City Farmyard. Once they reach the City Farmyard they can enter the Discovery Trail competition for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Tip Top Family Lawn

The Tip Top Family Lawn is the entertainment hub for young families, check out the Tip Top Activation Zone including bouncy castle (gold coin donation) and free face painting. Entertainment on the Tip Top Stage includes Rosie the Cow and The Natural Magic Pirate Band.

Rare Breeds Display

The Rare Breeds Display will have some curious creatures with some special attractions including Nadudana Zebu Cattle, Guanacos South American Horse, Enderby Island Rabbits as well as various rare breeds of goats and sheep.

MORE FM Village Green

The MORE FM Village Green will see the return of the popular Lumberjack Show with world champion Stirling Hart (aka The Flying Squirrel) battling against one of New Zealand’s finest, Bobby Dowling (aka The Mega Unit). Risking life and limb, the lumberjacks will be racing up and down 50 foot poles and running on logs in water. 

Main Stage

The Main Stage on the MORE FM Village Green will include performances by X Factor winner Jackie Thomas, the New Zealand Army Band and Christchurch duo The Funky Hot Mamas.

General Entertainment

The Main Arena sees the return of Show favourites including the Shetland Grand National, Ballantynes Grand Parade, Machinery Parade and Lolly Scramble. Plus, not to be missed is the JCL Canterbury FMX Open, NZ Contractors Federation Construction Industry Demonstrations and Gun Dog Demonstrations with Tony Hogarth.

This year’s Canterbury A&P Show will be held Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park in
Christchurch. It is the largest A&P Show in the country attracting 100,000 people, close to 6000 livestock and feature competition
entries and 550 trade exhibitors. 

ENDS

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