Christchurch cancellations and closures, 2 March 2011 11am

In light of the Canterbury earthquake last Tuesday 22 February, the Christchurch City Council has cancelled several events and services until further notice.

The Ellerslie International Flower Show, which would have run from next Wednesday 9 until Sunday 13 March, has been cancelled with full refunds available from Ticketek.

The Art Gallery has been closed until further notice and is currently housing the emergency operations centre.

All SummerTimes events have been cancelled until further notice. This inlcudes PSIS Children’s Day, which was planned for this Sunday 6 March and all Lazy Sunday and Sunday Bandstand concerts.

The following Summer in the Suburbs communtiy events have been cancelled:

• Culture Galore, Sunday 12 March

• Heathcote River Day , Sunday 13 March

• Thompson Park Skate Jam, Sunday 26 March.

All service centres and libraries in Christchurch are closed until further notice, except those in Akaroa and Little River which are open.

All Christchurch City Libraries Book Month events, which were set to run throughout March, have been cancelled until further notice.

All pool and recreation centres within Christchurch are closed until further notice, with all events, classes and programmes on hold.

The City to Surf 12km and 6km run on Sunday 27 March will likely be cancelled, but an official statement from organisers is still to be released.

Christchurch City Council Public Affairs Manager Lydia Aydon says while the immediate focus is on the rescue, recovery and welfare of the people of Christchurch, it is important people are informed of their local Council run community services and events.

“It’s unfortunate we have had to make so many cancellations, but public safety and the recovery efforts remain the top priority at this time.

“We appreciate the understanding and patience from the people of Christchurch and residents will be kept informed on all events and facilities in the coming weeks and months.”

For more on event cancellations in Christchurch visit www.bethere.co.nz.

ENDS

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