The sun came out and so did Christchurch
Christchurch City Council's SummerTimes Festival 2005 has been one of the most popular ever.
It started with Anthony Harper Lawyers New Year's Eve Party, with about 35,000 revellers in Cathedral Square. The Christchurch Police said getting the music mix right and adding fireworks helped attract more families and children.
The Great Kids Camp-out, with families camping overnight in city parks under the care of Guides Canterbury, was a success and will be repeated. The Press Kite Day also drew a strong crowd of about 8000 to New Brighton Beach. Anthony Harper Lawyers Summer Theatre season returned to tight, scripted comedy and attendance more than doubled. Thanks to The Radio Network, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic made a glorious return in fine weather and about 25,000 young fans and their families took part.
ASB Bank Starry Nights (above) notched up the show’s biggest-ever attendance, at around 55,000, while the festival's finale concert, Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks, attracted about 85,000 and, as The Press reviewer summed up, it was "a splendid night and everyone in the park should feel proud to be part of this city".
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