From 11.30, a selection of farm animals will be onsite for city workers to experience a little bit of country life courtesy of the 71st New Zealand Royal Show. The Showtime Canterbury Friesian cow will be there, along with lambs, Alpacas, and a sheep shearing demonstration. For those more mechanically minded individuals there will also be a vintage tractor on display.

From 12.30 to 1pm at least four teams of Showtime Celebrities will be hauling a racing sulky in their battle to win the trophy. Will the A & P Association demonstrate some rural muscle? Will the Lite FM crew be too light to stand up to the challenge? Will the Canterbury Jockey Cub handle the sulky as well as the horses they train? This family event will be an opportunity to experience racing like never before!

At 1pm up to 500 Christchurch primary school children will release 1,000 balloons, each with a unique Showtime Canterbury message attached.

Entertainment will be provided by Surfing USSR, with their eclectic Klesmer-style music, and the Vague As Brothers, proving that the appeal of polyester never dies!

Cathedral Square is the place to be this Friday!

For more information contact Gillian Walsh, Events Coordinator with Christchurch City Council Leisure, Tel. 9418 255 or 025 865 558