This year, a record 155 events are presented in a programme that covers art and craft workshops, knowledge and discovery events, plays, shows and concerts, sports and games, and many opportunities for children to perform themselves.

This years’ opening event will be the movie premiere of Disney’s Snow Dogs, a comedy adventure about a Miami dentist who inherits a team of sled dogs! Children are invited to experience all the glamour and excitement of Hollywood at Hoyts 6 Northlands, Northlands Mall on Saturday June 29th, with screenings at 10am or 12pm. There will be crowd entertainment, paparazzi, and ‘celebrities’ to create a very special atmosphere – especially for children. The movie is rated G.

Other special events this year include two train trips, both on Sunday July 7th. On Ticket North Kids will travel by train through the countryside to Rangiora. On Ticket South, Rangiora children will visit the city for the day!

On Sunday June 30th, the culmination of 6 weeks of hard work and creativity will be unveiled at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Playground when The Great Pipe Dream is revealed. Schools all over Christchurch, and as far away as Buller and Ashburton have been constructing botanical sculptures, made from recycled pvc piping, as well as other recovered materials. TV2 KidsFest Trust member Henry Sunderland conceptualised the idea. ‘It’s to do with recycling really’, he says. ‘We’re making kids aware of the issues around recycling, and having fun at the same time. The idea of manufactured waste going back to nature is important, and kids will get to grips with that idea as they turn the pipes into organic shapes.’ Henry feels that community art projects are a great way to bring children’s creations into the public art scene. Art works will be on display at the Botanic Gardens Playground throughout the festival.