Three F’s for 5 November in Christchurch - Friday, Fireworks, Fingers crossed

1 November 2004

Today’s take-home boxes of back-yard pops, bangs and fizzers have nothing on the tens of thousands of dollars worth of world-class pyrotechnics the Meridian Energy Fireworks Extravaganza is loading now for release from the New Brighton Pier on Friday night.

The only question now is the weather. The Met Office is forecasting an overnight Thursday sou-west change fading out by show time.

And, what a show! This City Council event features hundreds upon hundreds of star shells, comets, mines and roman candles will be mixed with exotic delights with names like Fan Silver Flashing Star, Happy Song, Mei Tai Grand Meeting and Fan Thunder Flower.

The Meridian Energy Fireworks Extravaganza thunders into the night sky from the end of the New Brighton Pier starting at 9.30pm. The display will be choreographed to music, which will be being simultaneously broadcast on The Breeze, at 94.5FM and 1260AM.

Free shuttle buses leave at 8pm from the following malls: Hornby (Chalmers St, two buses), Avonhead (Withells Rd, 2), Eastgate (Cranley St, 2), Barrington (Athelstan St 3), Riccarton (Riccarton Rd, 3), Northlands (Main North Rd, 3), Bus Exchange (Lichfield St bus stop, 4), The Palms (3 buses). At 10.15pm, they will depart from Oram Avenue in New Brighton for the return journey. For further information call BusInfo on ph.366 8855.

Gold coin donation car parking is available on Rawhiti Domain, off Keyes Road. Operation Mobility card holders may park on the south ramp. All proceeds from the parking will go to charities designated by the various Rotary Clubs operating this service.

As well as this, the New Brighton Carnival returns to add colour and excitement for the period leading up to the show. Thrill rides and amusement games will be operating from 3pm until the start of the countdown to the show at 9.15pm.

If planning to watch the fireworks from the beach it is recommended that you come dressed in warm clothing and bring a radio for event information and the live broadcast of music on 94.5 Breeze FM and 1260 AM.

Information Tent
An information tent will be set up next to the clock tower on Marine Parade. The tent will be staffed from 5.30pm to 10.30pm and will be open for public inquires and assistance.

General
For cancellation and postponement information, listen to 94.5 Breeze FM or 1260 AM from 3pm on the day. If postponed, the event will be held at the same time on Saturday, 6 November. 

Road Closures
The following roads will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6.00pm to 12.00am on Friday 5 November 2004:

• Marine Parade from Bowhill Road to Rodney Street
• Oram Avenue from Beresford Avenue to Rodney Street
• Union Street from Seaview Road to Collingwood Street
• Hardy Street from Seaview Road to Collingwood Street
• Ida Street   
• Hood Street
• Mafeking Street  
• Keppel Street
• Howe Street   
• Shaw Avenue
• Rawhiti Avenue  
• Fenners Lane
• Convoy Street  
• Lonsdale Street
• Hawke Street  
• Seaview Road

Beresford Street
 
Marine Parade Closures
Both North and South ramps will be closed from the evening of Thursday 4 Nov. The South Ramp will open at 6pm on Friday 5 November for Operation Mobility Card Holders. The North ramp will remain closed to vehicle traffic until the morning of Saturday 6 November 2004.

Pier Closures
To allow for the safe set-up of fireworks for the event, the Pier and associated access ways will be affected at various times leading up to, and following the event.

The Pier will be completely closed to the public during these times:

• Thursday 4 November, 8.00am to 12.30pm (approx)
• Friday 5 November, 5.00pm to 1.00am (same time on Thursday if postponed)
• Saturday 6 November, 8.00am to 12.30pm (approx) (same time on Friday if postponed)

The Pier will be partially closed to the public during these times:

• Thursday 4 November, 12.30pm to 5.00pm(approx.) on Wednesday 5th November
• Saturday 6 November, 1.00am to 8.00am

Sponsor Information

Christchurch City Council Leisure brings this event to you in partnership with Meridian Energy, with the support of Breeze FM

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