Getting Jiggy For Adventure

An arena of action, death defying feats and spectacular entertainment will transform Christchurch¹s central city for its first Adventure Playground Festival on 18 March.

"This will be day of events the likes of which Christchurch, and in fact the world, has never seen before, with a high wire act at a dizzying 150 feet, a giant swing, Dirtthingz ­ motor cross style snowboarding, BMXing, inline skating and more," says Festival organiser, Derek McCullough.

With a vision and passion for challenging the senses, Derek McCullough has put together the Festival in conjunction with the Adventure Festival Trust and with support from the Christchurch City Council.

"New Zealanders are world renowned for their love of adventure ­ using our spirit of innovation to develop new challenges. The Adventure Playground Festival will create an urban playground for all thrill ­ seekers," says Mr McCullough.

Derek McCullough says the focus of the Festival will be on giving everyone, no matter how adventurous, a chance to try something new.

"From the spectator thrills of the high wire and the Jiggernauts, to hands on adventure on the giant swings or skate ramps ­ the day will have something for everyone."

One of the aims of the Festival is to put Christchurch on the map as the Adventure capital of New Zealand ­ creating an icon event that has benefits for the visitor industry, while providing a fun day out for families, says Adventure Playground Festival Trust Chairperson, Shelly Peebles.

"There will be events at the Festival to stimulate all the senses, from the chance to try out the latest hi-tech innovations at the Technology Adventure Centre to tantalising taste adventures with chilli¹s with the notorious Dr Hot."

One of the highlight events of the day will be the Jiggernauts, rocketing along the tramtracks of central city in the first ever Jiggernaut racing series.

Jiggernauts are space age vehicles, operating on tramtracks and running on people power. The result of unique Christchurch innovation, the Jiggernauts are born of Derek McCullough¹s imagination and the design skills of Britten Prototypes.

"With an all star team of well-known sports personalities, including Steve Gurney and Erin Baker, the first Jiggernaut racing series will test the strength and mental stamina of the teams while providing spectators with thrilling entertainment," says Derek McCullough.

Entry is free to the festival and kicks off at 11am until 6pm.

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