Set up underway for Christchurch Lantern Festival
Friday 2 March 2018
Hundreds of spectacular Chinese lanterns have been brought out of storage in preparation for their installation at this
year’s Christchurch Lantern Festival.
The popular festival is being held on Saturday 10 March and Sunday 11 March, from 6pm-10pm, and is back into the central
city for the first time in seven years. The lanterns will light up the Ōtākaro Avon River Precinct – connecting with the
Avon River, Worcester Boulevard and Cathedral Square – with world-class entertainment, delicious food and traditional
crafts all onsite.
The festival’s technical event manager Abe Fisher said there are three types of lantern being installed; tree, water and
ground-based. A lot of time goes in to planning exactly where each of the hundreds of lanterns will be placed, as well
as making sure they are well secured and safe.
“There’s been a lot of preparation for this year, as we are back in the central city and the location is obviously a lot
different to Hagley Park. The area is new and thoughtful consideration goes into every placement. Having the lanterns on
and wrapping around the river in the city will be fantastic,” Abe said.
The lanterns have been checked electrically and carefully moved onsite for installation.
ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Attraction Linda Falwasser said the festival is set to be a spectacular celebration of
Chinese culture, performance, art, business, tourism and education.
“The festival has also been embraced as part of New Zealand culture now – the Christchurch Lantern Festival is a must do
and a celebration we can all enjoy together. Each year thousands of people visit and are suitably impressed with the
magical atmosphere the lanterns create and the entertainment and food they can enjoy.”
Major roadworks are happening in the Central City at present, so festival goers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow
extra time to get to and from the event.
Major partners working with ChristchurchNZ to put on this year’s festival include Christchurch City Council, Bank of
China, Novo Advertising, Asia New Zealand Foundation and Christchurch International Airport.
• For more information on the festival or to plan your journey visit www.christchurchnz.com or www.tfc.govt.nz
ENDS