Plan for weekend fireworks
Carpooling or getting a chartered bus will be your best bet to ensure you arrive on time at the winter fireworks spectacular in New Brighton this weekend.
Christchurch indie rock band The Hootz´, who will also feature at the Go Live music festival, will kick off the event at 5.30pm on Saturday before fireworks will be set off from the end of New Brighton Pier at 7pm.
Christchurch City Council warned people to plan their journeys in advance as there may be delays getting into the area.
A free park-and-ride service will be available from Eastgate Mall in Linwood to New Brighton from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. A return express charter bus will run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, the council said.
Staff at Eastgate Mall will be available to help attendees across Buckleys Rd to the buses.
For those planning to drive, the council advised carpooling due to limited parking in the area and many roads being closed to cars between 4pm and 9.30pm.
On-street parking will not be available during that time on Hood St, Union St between Hood St and Beresford St, Beresford St from Union St to Marine Pde, and Oram Ave from Beresford St to Hood St.
Mobility parking will be available to people with an official mobility sticker at the New Brighton beach south ramp car park. The best way to get there will be via Bridge St, the council said. Bike racks will be available in the north and south car parks for cyclists.
Attendees were asked not to bring alcohol, individual fireworks, drones or pets to the event. Food vendors will be set up in the area.
Modern Kiwi classics will accompany the fireworks which will be streaming on The Hits radio station on frequency 97.7FM, the council said.
Rain was forecast for Saturday with a high of 10C and a low of 2C. If the fireworks needed to be postponed, it will be announced via The Hits and on the council Facebook page, and will take place on Sunday instead.
‘‘The call to cancel may not be made until just before the fireworks start at 7pm.’’