Friday 12 October, 2012

First NZ IceFest a success

An estimated 100,000 people are expected to have visited the first biennial NZ IceFest by the time it ends this Sunday.

The month-long festival celebrating the New Zealand – Antarctic relationship has seen Hagley Park Events Village transformed into Hagley Park Ice Station.

NZ IceFest Director Jo Blair says the festival has been a wonderful way to bring the community together to celebrate a special part of what makes Christchurch unique.

“The festival has really shown our ability as a community to have fun, pursue knowledge and welcome visitors to our city. The response has helped us establish a very strong foundation for the next NZ IceFest in 2014.

“We can really build on what we have done around showcasing Christchurch’s and New Zealand’s role in Antarctica – we have such extraordinary community links which have not just local but global significance. That’s well worth celebrating every two years.”

Fifty two sponsors and financial support from the Government and Christchurch City Council made sure the festival launched successfully, creating a healthy platform for 2014, says Ms Blair.

The Government, through New Zealand Major Events has committed NZ$800,000 to the New Zealand IceFest over its 2012 and 2014 events.

A record of the fun at the festival includes:
• 12,000 ice – skaters on the ice-themed outdoor rink
• 10,000 people through the STILL LIFE: Inside the Antarctic Huts of Scott and Shackleton experience
• Over 100 featured guests in the programme in the 100th year since Scott’s expedition
• 95 of these were speakers at the UC Geo Dome many of whom have international experience in Antarctic research, science, law or politics
• 60 guests to the festival were international delegates
• 95 individual events or exhibits
• 150 litres of mulled wine was consumed

The festival continues until 10pm on Sunday with the final weekend of events including Artists in Antarctica: Lauren Aberhart- Photographer on Saturday and UC Science Café: Law and Politics in Antarctica on Sunday, and a final opportunity to view STILL LIFE and enjoy the skate-rink.

For more information visit www.nzicefest.co.nz

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