Showtime Canterbury
Canterbury's premier regional celebration, Showtime Canterbury, presents the very best that Canterbury has to offer annually in November.
Feature events include favourites such as the Meridian Energy Fireworks Extravaganza – this year promising even more explosive fun with a display simulcast on Lite FM radio 94.5FM or 1260AM. Thousands are expected down at New Brighton on November 5th to enjoy the Carnival and Twilight Family Funfest before the fireworks begin at 9.30pm.
The A & P Show brings the country to town, and racing enthusiasts can attend the CD New Zealand Trotting Cup Day, Show Day Race Meeting, CD New Zealand Galloping Cup, and the Lindauer Race Day – offering opportunities for a flutter on the horses, and a chance to sparkle on the catwalk in the Best Dressed Lady and Man competitions.
Unique to Showtime Canterbury are the Showtime Canterbury Painted Horses – four spectacular life-sized model horses painted to a 'Canterbury' theme by local artists.
Returning favourites include Circus Under the Stars, giving audiences the rare opportunity to experience cutting-edge outdoor aerial displays, acrobatics and clowning from CPIT students. Dolphin Cruises on Lyttelton Harbour offer a chance to get really close to the rare and beautiful Hector's dolphin, and the Canterbury Draught Brewery Tour will include a complimentary tasting of the well-known brew.
From fashion to fine art, petanque to pottery, the 35 events over two weeks promise something for everyone.
The festival brochure is distributed city-wide and throughout Canterbury in the lead-up to the festival.