Lyttelton Harbour Festival of Lights

FESTIVAL DATES: FRI 13 - SUN 22 JUNE 2008
MASQUERADE BALL FRIDAY 13 JUNE STREET PARTY: FRIDAY 20 JUNE
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The Festival of Lights is an event designed to showcase and celebrate Lyttelton and the harbour’s unique communities. This mid-winter ten day festival offers a cluster of events including a street party, winter light spectacular, masquerade ball, photographic exhibition, short films, jazz & musical performances, torchlight walks, cabaret, wine tasting, retro scooter visit, fine dining, theatre and much more. ‘The festival gives people a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and have some fun in the depths of winter’, says Event Organiser Wendy Everingham.

A new addition to the festival in 2008 is an Opening Masquerade Ball. To be held at the Harbour Light on June 13th this will be a Lyttelton style ball. Anything goes but certainly a chance to dress up and wear a mask. Masks will be available on the evening for $2 if you need one. Tickets $35 dollars and can be purchased at the Lyttelton Visitor Centre.

The street party returns again to London Street from 6pm to 10pm on Friday 20th June. A visual feast awaits you. See fabulous Lyttelton images on the Harbour Light all evening. Portraits at the Moda Booth. Dance the night away with Woolley Fish, Carmel Courtney or Taos. If you like alternative dance culture, try Oscillate and friends down near the Empire.

The masquerade parade kicks off the Street Party at 6pm, and you can catch a glimpse of many local residents wearing their own creations. The mask makers are joined by our famous giant street puppets, other street entertainers and a wonderful Samba band. They are followed by Motley 2, a magician and the Red Queens. With interesting lighting and fantastic street visuals and fireworks, London Street will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland.

The Retro Scooter visit is not to be missed on Sunday June 15th. The Polar Fleece Feast and other events make for a really colourful programme. “Come over to Lyttelton Harbour for a great week of events and activities” says Wendy

This is a zero waste event and attendees are encouraged to catch the bus or car share. The festival embodies the communities desire to be a sustainable and vibrant area.

Primary sponsors for the Festival of Lights include Christchurch City Council, Anderson, McConnell Gilmore, Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, The Empire Hotel and General Store, The Canterbury Community Trust, Hang-Up Entertainment, Creative NZ, Lion Foundation and a host of product and prize sponsors.

For further information on the festival, phone the Event Manager on 328 8359, or checkout www.lyttelton.net.nz.

Ends

For further information contact:
Event Organisers & Media Liaison:
Wendy Everingham ph 03 / 328 8359 or 021- 047 6144 wendy.everingham@xtra.co.nz
Rod Lawrence ph 03 328 9243 or 021 558 747 rod@lyttelton.net.nz

www.lyttelton.net.nz/winter