Big events weekend in Chch
Any Cantabrian who loves music, buskers, noodles or fireworks had a reason to leave the house this weekend.
The final nights for the Night Noodle Market and Bread and Circus coincided with the Sparks fireworks extravaganza at Hagley Park, Nostalgia music festival at Ferrymead and Grammy awardwinning Motown star Gladys Knight at the Town Hall.
About 110,000 people attended this year’s Night Noodle Market in North Hagley Park over 10 days – devouring more than 50,000 dumplings and 5000 pineapple smoothies.
The hawker-style festival boasted 21 local and international stallholders, offering a range of street food options from bao buns to barbecue skewers.
As it drew to a close on Saturday, it is estimated the event contributed more than $1 million to the economy, through the use of Christchurch suppliers and the employment of local people.
Event manager Vanessa Fleming said the aim was to provide an environmentally sustainable event that also supported the city.
Later on Saturday, 30,000-35,000 people gathered in Hagley Park for YES Power Sparks.
The fireworks display is one of Christchurch’s best-loved traditions, having entertained crowds for almost 40 years.
Lucy Blackmore, manager of events and arts at Christchurch City Council, said it went well with local musicians collaborating with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Yesterday saw the culmination of Bread and Circus, the city’s annual buskers’ festival.
On the final day, New York crooners Shades of Buble´ performed at the Spiegeltent, while Christchurch-born stand-up comedian Cal Wilson played the Backstage Social Club.
Over the course of 25 days,
42 shows have been staged by
60 artists from 28 different countries. Festival director Scott Maidment said it was too early to give exact figures but ticket sales were up on last year.
‘‘Having other events ... at the same time was great, the audiences crossed and really fed into each other.’’ The Spiegeltent and buskers pitches at the Bridge of Remembrance and the Scott statute created a real buzz along the Terrace, he said.
The winners of this year’s Iron Chicken award for best acts were sisters Flo and Joan, who won best performance at a ticketed event, and leather-clad juggler Mario Queen of the Circus, who won best street performer.