Christchurch Lantern Festival performers visit Christchurch schools
Monday 5 March 2018
The city’s youth are seeing Chinese culture firsthand from world-class Chinese performers in town for this weekend’s
Christchurch Lantern Festival.
The performers will visit several Christchurch schools as part of a programme put together by the Asia New Zealand
Foundation, a founding partner of the event and sponsor working with ChristchurchNZ on the 2018 event.
“We want young New Zealanders to increase their knowledge and understanding of Asian culture, in this case Chinese
culture, because it will give them a real advantage in the future,” Asia New Zealand Foundation Educators Network
Manager Sean O’Connor says.
“New Zealand’s present and future – economically, culturally and socially – are tied with Asia. All indicators show that
connection will be even more pronounced in the future. We need to equip our young New Zealanders so they can thrive in
that future, and activities like the schools programme help us achieve that.”
The performers are visiting the schools ahead of the festival being held on Saturday 10 March and Sunday 11 March, from
6pm-10pm. The lanterns will light up the Ōtākaro Avon River Precinct – connecting with the Avon River, Worcester
Boulevard and Cathedral Square.
ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Attraction Linda Falwasser said the calibre of entertainers brought in from China each
year for the festival, as well as those based locally that will be performing, was always high – and this year was no
exception.
“We’ve got everything – from Chinese shadow puppetry, acrobats and traditional Chinese dance and music through to
martial arts demonstrations and traditional Chinese crafts such as sugar painting and dough figurine making on show.
“It really is a spectacular celebration of cultural connectivity and social cohesion in the heart of our new city. The
lanterns are magical and the entertainment and food onsite make this a great night out for everyone,” she said.
Two stages will be set up for performances – one located in Cathedral Square while the other will be positioned beside
the Avon River on Durham Street and opposite The Terrace. Some entertainers will perform at various sites throughout the
festival.
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. They should consider cycling, walking, taking public transport or carpooling.
There will also be $6 car parking available.
Other major partners working with ChristchurchNZ to put on this year’s Lantern Festival include Christchurch City
Council, Bank of China, Novo Advertising and Christchurch International Airport.
For more information or to plan your journey visit www.christchurchnz.com or www.tfc.govt.nz
ENDS