Guy Fawkes Spectacular returns

30 October 2008

Guy Fawkes Spectacular returns

One of Christchurch’s most popular events returns on November 5, with another Guy Fawkes Spectacular off the New Brighton Pier.

Christchurch City Council Events Production Team Manager Mark Hadlow says this year’s fireworks celebrations will start at 9pm with a stunning under-pier lighting show.

A solid 10 minutes of dazzling fireworks will get underway at 9.10pm, accompanied by music and narrative inspired by the story of Guy Fawkes, the notorious Englishman who attempted to blow up the House of Lords in 1605.

People are encouraged to gather north and south of the pier, or on the Port Hills, to watch the display, and to tune into The Breeze on 94.5FM to enjoy the soundtrack and story, narrated by Mr Hadlow.

“Surveys show Guy Fawkes is one of Christchurch’s top five events, attracting about 60,000 people, but a lot of young people don’t know the fascinating story behind it,” Mr Hadlow says.

“I think this year’s show will be one of the best yet, culminating in about 20 fireballs exploding off the end of the pier.”

People are asked not to bring their own fireworks, to stick to the paths in the sand dunes and to take their litter home.

In the case of bad weather, the event will be held on November 6.

For media inquiries contact Council Communications Advisor Jessica Maddock on 941 6419.

For more information about additional bus services from the Palms, Eastgate, Riccarton, Hornby and Merivale shopping malls and the Bus Exchange, call 366 8855.

Road, pier and car park closures:

If the event is postponed due to wet weather, all the following closures will apply at the same times on November 6.

Road closures:
Period of Closure: 6pm to midnight (at the latest) on Wednesday 5 November.
Marine Parade (from Lonsdale Street to Rodney Street), Oram Avenue (from Beresford Street to Hood Street), Mafeking Street, Keppel Street, Howe Street, Hawke Street (from Shaw Avenue to Marine Parade), Brighton Mall, Beresford Street, Hood Street, Ida Street, Union Street, Hardy Street, Collingwood Street, Seaview Road, Shaw Avenue (from Hawke Street to Seaview Road).

Pier closures:
- The pier will be completely closed to the public during the following times:
Tuesday 4 November, 8am to 12.30pm
Wednesday 5 November, 5pm to 1am the following day
Thursday 6 November, 8am to 12.30pm
- The pier will be partially closed to the public during the following times:
From 12.30pm on Tuesday 4 November to 5pm Wednesday 5 November
From 1am on Tuesday 4 November to 8am on Thursday 6 November

Car park closures:
The pier car parks (north and south ramps) will be closed from 6am on Wednesday 5 November to 1am on Thursday 6 November 2008. Parking will be available at Rawhiti Domain on the night of the event, entrance off Keyes Road, for a gold coin donation.

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