What to do in Chch on Labour Day
What better way to celebrate our work-life balance than with a long weekend. Labour Day and the eight-hour work day was first celebrated on October 28, 1890. It was thought eight hours of the day should then be spent on recreation, and eight on rest.
On your precious day off, get out and attend some of these events that are on around town.
Your chief entertainer is the Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA). Of their 50 events on over the weekend, at least 19 of them can be experienced today.
FESTA’s theme for 2018 is food, and society’s relationship with what nourishes us. Eating Sustainably is your chance to learn about healthy food choices for yourself and the planet, a $5 workshop to be held at the Old Information Centre in the Botanic Gardens from 2pm to 4pm. In the evening, catch a movie on the lawn outside Ilex Cafe. Seed: The Untold Story is a film about how food is produced, and the journey it goes on to our plates, screening at 8.30pm. A children’s screening of Wall-E should keep the little ones entertained from 6.15pm. Koha donation appreciated by the organisers.
Little Andromeda is in full swing at the corner of Gloucester and Colombo streets, across the road from Tu¯ ranga, our new central city library. A feast of food and big band music kicks off from midday through till 2pm. Food trucks and three big bands are set to create ideal lunchtime entertainment. At 7.30pm, Sumo Jazz kicks off their set in the pop up venue, celebrating their new album Shiko.
For something more contemplative, FESTA’s Death Cafe is on at Space Academy from 2pm to 3.30pm. Encouraging a more ‘‘death-literate’’ society, Melanie Mayell will traverse difficult topics through simple conversation. Expect a supportive and open chat where people can share stories, ideas and ask questions.
Alice Cinema brings a collection of short films to today’s line-up with Show Me Shorts: Battling Your Demons. As mental health continues to be both understood and misunderstood, this selection of films explores the people’s internal battle. The star of the show could be Run Rabbit, where a young refugee begins a new life in provincial New Zealand. Screening starts at 6.30pm and is expected to wrap up by 8pm.
For something completely different, support the Christchurch Boys’ High School (CBHS) first XI when they take on Wellington College’s first XI today. This annual fixture regularly brings out local loyalty, and gives the public a chance to see our future cricketers at their best. First ball at 10.30am at CBHS on Straven Rd.