The Press

Fairies lobby councillor­s for event

- TINA LAW

Usually they stick to the bottom of the garden, but Christchur­ch’s fairies are lobbying to bring more fairy magic to the city.

Brightly-dressed and ready to spread their fairy dust, a group of Christchur­ch’s part-time fairies addressed the Christchur­ch City Council on Thursday.

They want the city to host a oneday fairy festival. Spokesfair­y Charlotte Benfield – known to her winged friends as Lily Peas Blossom – said the festival would be a ‘‘magical market place’’.

The official creed of the Christchur­ch Faerie Circle is to spread light, love and laughter.

The group is made up of volunteers and they lack the money or expertise to organise large events themselves, Blossom said.

Inspired by large faerie festivals in the United States that attract thousands of people– FaerieCon and FaerieWorl­ds – Blossom and the other fairies have previously staged their own events. Last year the group held a Labyrinth Ball in Lyttelton.

Blossom asked the council if the New Years Eve concert in Hagley Park could have a fairy theme this year.

Events and festivals working group chairman Cr Tim Scandrett said the fairies should consider joining up with the Teddy Bears Picnic.

Christchur­ch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, who took a selfie with one of the fairies, suggested they make a presentati­on to the events and festivals working group.

‘‘You brought joy to the council chamber. Let’s see what we can do.’’

The group is hosting a Faerie Picnic on Saturday in Malvern Park from midday.

 ?? PHOTO: FAIRFAX NZ ?? Lavdendula Louella, left, Maleficent and Lily Peas Blossom, right, ask the city council to host a fairy festival.
PHOTO: FAIRFAX NZ Lavdendula Louella, left, Maleficent and Lily Peas Blossom, right, ask the city council to host a fairy festival.

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