There’s no time like Showtime!

Showtime Canterbury, from Saturday 30 October to Sunday 14 November, is an exciting two-week celebration of the region.

It will include the ever-popular Canterbury Agricultural Show and two of the country’s most prestigious horse racing fixtures — the DB Draught New Zealand Trotting Cup Carnival and the Canterbury Draught New Zealand Cup.

A raft of other activities ranging from sports, arts and entertainment, to tours and open days, complement the three feature events.

New events this year include "Four Vineyards and an Olive Grove", North Island versus

South Island cricket, "The Ultimate Country Man" and Botanic Gardens by Night Lights.

Popular regular events of the festival - now in its fourth year — include the Manderley Home and Garden Festival, AMP City of Christchurch Triathlon and New Brighton Pier Fireworks Extravaganza. Brochures and further information are available from Christchurch City Council on 941 6840 or check out the festival’s website — www.showtimecanterbury.org.nz