On 4 July children will be encouraged to draw chalk pictures of themselves, their families,  friends and favourite animals on the footpath in Cathedral Square.

Parents and guardians will also be welcome to join in and help break the record, currently held in Pennsylvania, USA, for pavement art covering the largest area.

The record attempt is one of more than 100 events for children up to 12 years old from 1 to 14 July. Other events include art and craft workshops, sport, plays, cultural activities, concerts and behind-the-scenes tours of places such as the Meadow Fresh milk factory.

Orana Wildlife Park is giving free entry to children (under 15 years old) during KidsFest, as long as they have a voucher from the KidsFest booklet or newspapers, and are accompanied by an adult (two children per paying adult).

First held in 1991, KidsFest has become an extremely popular annual festival.

It is co-ordinated by the Council's events team and many Christchurch community organisations and businesses are involved.

Programmes will be available early next month. They will be distributed to schools and playcentres, and available from Council service centres and libraries, and other venues in the city.

Bookings open Saturday 19 June.