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12 December 2000 |
Son Et Lumiere Will Be Spectacular Highlight
The Son et Lumiere event in Cathedral Square on 16 December will be one of the major highlights of Canterbury’s 150th Anniversary - and one of the most spectacular.
It will provide a breathtaking multi-sensory entertainment show of sound and light with an appeal to young and old.
The Christchurch Cathedral will be the centre stage and the Son et Lumiere will tell the story of Canterbury’s history, achievements and milestones. These will be unfolded with lights, sound, performance, fireworks and special effects.
The evening will start at 8pm on Saturday 16 December with the Canterbury Showcase, a musical entertainment by some of Canterbury best-known entertainers.
Graham Wardrop, Chris and Rachel Doig, Liz Braggins and Janice Gray will present the musical tributes through the ages until 10pm.
Then the Son et Lumiere, called Turning Point - a mua: a muri, written by David McPhail and narrated by Robin Harrison, will start.
This is a night of free entertainment with something happening all around the Square.
Scriptwriter David McPhail promises plenty of surprises. He says spectacles and pageantry will characterise the celebration. Lights, projections, lasers and fireworks from buildings around the Square will thrill the audience. Two super-sized screens will also be placed in the Square.
Christchurch’s Son et Lumiere is believed to be one of the first major events of its kind seen in this country. Christchurch City Council car parks will remain open until 1am on 17 December.
The Council established Turning Point 2000 in 1996 to plan and co-ordinate Canterbury’s Millennium and 150th anniversary celebrations.
Fourteen advisory groups developed 27 major events and projects. The Son et Lumiere is one of the major events to be held over the weekend of 15-17 December to mark the 150th anniversary of organised European settlement of the province by the Canterbury Association.
Other events will be The 1850 Ball in Victoria Square on Friday 15 December, a Civic Service in the Square on 17 December, the Grand Parade to the Botanic Gardens on 17 December, and the Victorian Garden Party in the Botanic Gardens on 17 December from noon to 5pm.
Further information: Sheree Stevens, Events Co-ordinator: 353 0354.