Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Canterbury A&P Show starts today

There is something for everyone, with the family fun of the Canterbury A&P Show and the glamour of the races, as two of New Zealand Cup and Show Week’s most popular events get underway today.

All things rural will be celebrated when the gates open this morning on New Zealand’s biggest and best agricultural and pastoral show, while a short drive away it is all about racing style at Riccarton Park Racecourse where the annual Ladies’ Day and Couplands Bakeries Mile is taking place.

Christchurch City Council Events Development Manager, Richard Attwood says the Canterbury A&P Show, now in its 151st year, is a firm favourite with families and promises loads of fun for all ages.

“This year’s Show, which runs through until Friday, features an amazing line-up of entertainment, attractions and activities, as well as a huge array of livestock,” he says.

The equestrian programme at the Show is one of the largest in the country and features events such as the South Canterbury Saddlery Horse Speed Championship, the Ballantynes Horse Grand Prix, and the West Acre Farm Pony Grand Prix. A big highlight will be the Shetland Grand National. This much-loved event sees eight ponies and jockeys taking to the field, steeplechase style.

In the always-popular wood-chopping competitions, New Zealand teams will be battling it out against an Australian team for a champion’s trophy. Other not-to-be-missed live entertainment includes The Lumberjack Show in which world champion Stirling Hart, of Canada, will take on New Zealand’s Bobby Dowling in a series of challenges to see who has the best lumberjack skills.

Comedians Ben Hurley and Justine Smith will keep the laughs coming in the Tui BaaBaa Bar on Show Day, while gourmands can look forward to sampling great cuisine and watching live cooking demonstrations by top chefs including Julio Biuso who will be in the kitchen on Show Day.

On Show Day all eyes will also be on the Main Stage for a performance by X-Factor winner Jackie Thomas.

There will be plenty of food and drink available at the Canterbury A&P Show, and families are welcome to bring their own and enjoy a picnic in one of the many picnic areas that have been set up.

Free parking is available on site and a free shuttle bus will run regularly between the carparking area and the public gate. Public transport to and from the Canterbury Agricultural Park is also available.

Today is also a glamour occasion at the races, with Ladies’ Day Couplands Bakeries Mile at Riccarton Park Racecourse, part of a week of celebrations for the 150th running of the New Zealand Cup.

“The day features a ladies’ fashion competition, exciting racing action and live music and promises to be a special event in the beautiful setting of Riccarton Park,” Mr Attwood says.

Riccarton Park Racecourse gates open at 10am and the racing action starts at 12.15pm.

For more information and to purchase tickets for all the festival events visit www.nzcupandshow.co.nz

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ENDS

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