8 December 1999

In the past four years day-time decorations have dominated Christchurch’s Christmas and lighting has played a back seat because they appeal only when it gets dark from 10pm and at a time when most shops are closed.

Now the public has told the Christchurch City Council that it wants to see Christmas lights and the Council has responded with special lights in the Oxford Terrace bar area and along the nearby River Avon.

Trees along the riverbank will be illuminated, new lighting installed on Mill Island, on a special wreath on the Bridge of Remembrance, and new fibre-optic lights will feature in a tree next to the bridge.

The city centre marketing co-ordinator, Melanie Williams, says the Oxford Terrace was chosen because of the number of people congregating at night. "Over the next few years we want to build up a Christmas walk along the Avon River between the Bridge of Remembrance and the Parkroyal," she says.

Lighting in trees and illuminated decorations would probably be used.

This year’s lights are a start and will be switched on soon, she says.

As well as the decorations around the city centre, the revamped Cathedral Square will have artistic silver bows on its lamps which have been specially designed to complement the design of the square and the planned Chalice sculpture. Colombo Street will also has new decorations on its lampposts.

Further information:

Melanie Williams, City Centre Marketing Co-ordinator: 941 8250 or 025 745 352.

NB: The date and time of the switching on of the Oxford Terrace lights will be advised.

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