20 February 2013
Celebrate the Great British Car Rally this weekend
Anglophiles and car enthusiasts of all ages are invited to marvel at the entourage of British-manufactured cars
descending on Hagley Park on Saturday 23 February, celebrating the last leg of the 2013 Great British Car Rally.
The rally sees British car enthusiasts and rally supporters travel from Auckland to the South Island in a convoy of
vintage, classic and new British cars, all due to cross their Christchurch finishing line this Friday. The rally is
organised by the British High Commission. On Saturday the cars will arrive at Bob Deans field, North Hagley Park, by
10.30am and will be on show from 11am–3pm.
The crowd will be entertained with a live brass band and BBQ food will be on sale with proceeds going to two
Christchurch charities: Stepping Stone Trust and Christchurch City Mission. The rally raises funds for these charities
alongside Save the Children NZ and the Starship Foundation.
Mayor Bob Parker says Saturday’s event is a great way to wrap up what has been an extremely worthy project.
“The UK car industry is currently undergoing something of a renaissance – for the first time since 1976, the cars
they’re exporting outnumber the cars they’re importing – so this rally, and the display on Saturday, is a creative and
very appropriate way to celebrate the ongoing relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“Christchurch also has a special, close-knit Sister Cities relationship with the town of Christchurch in Dorset,
England,” he says.
“We invite the people of Christchurch to pull up a rug, pack a picnic and come along for a chance to get up close and
personal with over 200 very charming British-made cars. Those of you who have your own showpiece British classic are
encouraged to bring it along to Hagley Park and get amongst liked-minded British car enthusiasts.”
Admission to the event is free. A UK trade and industry information bus will be on site.
For more information please visit ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk
For further information on the above mentioned Christchurch charities, please visit
ENDS