So it's with great pleasure - and impeccable timing - that I introduce the aptly-named Garden City SummerTimes, a season's worth of events that embody each of those values. School's out, you’ll get at the very least a few days off work, and the weather's brightening up - making summer the perfect time to bring together your family and friends and create a lifetime's worth of sunny memories.
Our big events kick off with the New Year's Eve Party, once again held in Hagley Park, and the enjoyment will only build throughout the season with dozens of events, fêtes and fairs held throughout the city, one after the other. This summer will be a time to relax, let the kids have a blast, catch up with friends and have some fun in the sun.
Garden City SummerTimes is a beloved tradition - year after year, our residents give these events the highest rating. Favourites that you won't find anywhere else, like ASB Classical Sparks and the World Buskers Festival, get top marks and give our city its unique identity.
Our residents have given the Council's Garden City SummerTimes events the highest rating year after year. Favourites like ASB Classical Sparks and the World Buskers Festival rank very highly with you as they add to the identity of our city. Added to this area the significant number of community events aimed at bringing local communities together to celebrate summer in the suburbs.
On top of this are the significant number of grassroots community events aimed at bringing local communities together to celebrate summer in the suburbs.
Garden City SummerTimes also celebrates Christchurch's cultural diversity, encouraging people to come together and learn more about their neighbours at events such as Canterbury Japan Day and Culture Galore.
The Council remains committed to attracting top events to Christchurch and encouraging local community festivals. So whether your tastes run to art, culture, music, picnics in the park or fun at the beach, make the most of what your city has to offer this summer. I certainly intend to do so.
Bob Parker
Mayor of Christchurch