Thousands of families will enjoy the FREE entertainment presented in the beautiful outdoor spaces of Hagley Park and community parks this summer.

With something for every age group, the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment will be a popular pastime, as it has been for the last 19 years.

International quality performances by local musicians will be joined by children’s entertainment, fireworks, comedy theatre performances, and big-screen outdoor movies.

The Botanic Gardens are the site for a collection of award-winning pipe and brass bands performing popular hits for those music lovers who like the idea of a garden setting. These performances take place on Sundays between 20 January and 24 February.

ASB BANK Starry Nights exploded onto the stage last year, and on 23 February this year, will continue the Broadway tradition with a tribute to New York, including all the latest and favourite musical hits from the centre of the showbiz world such as Guys and Dolls, West Side Story and a Tribute to Abba. This show astounded audiences last year, and is set to do the same again.

On 2 March Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks will feature a programme of classical and contemporary favourites. Audiences can bring their picnics, rugs or low chairs, and settle in to enjoy the Christchurch Symphony lead by Jan van den Berg. This year’s programme includes music by Beethoven,Tchaikovsky and Verdi, with pieces ranging from classics such as Buglers Holiday by Anderson, Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar, to the more jazzy Pink Panther Theme by Mancini and String of Pearls by Glenn Miller. Fireworks will light up the sky from about 8.55pm