Fashion Event Promises Glamour for Canterbury 2003

CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL LEISURE

June 23, 2003

Media Statement

New Fashion Event Promises Glamour for Showtime Canterbury 2003 - Organisers call for event submissions

Photo Opportunity Tuesday June 24th 12.15 Christchurch Art Gallery Atrium.

Showtime Canterbury, October 31st to November 16th 2003 in and around Christchurch and Canterbury. www.showtimecanterbury.co.nz

Made up of more than 50 events in a two week period, Showtime Canterbury contributes over 23 million dollars to the local economy and has long been regarded as an icon festival of the Canterbury region. This years festival will feature the new Canterbury Fashion Collections and Awards, to be held in the Christchurch Art Gallery Atrium on Thursday November 6th .

Showtime Canterbury Coordinator Paulette Harraway indicates that there are several new aspects to the festival this year.

" The new Art Gallery exemplifies all that is remarkable about the Christchurch community," she says, "and this stunning new fashion event will position Canterbury alongside similar high profile events such as the Melbourne Cup or the Kentucky Derby, as part of the international fashion and racing circuit."

"This year our website becomes the major source of festival information, it's a virtual ticket to the excitement we create in Showtime Canterbury " she says, " and it will be supported by a classy 'race-book' style programme, which means the event is more accessible to our audience than ever".

The website will offer patrons immediate updates and links, plus information for sponsors and event organisers.

" The measure of success of a regional festival is reflected by the degree to which the community embraces it. It is important to us that the community has a sense of ownership of this icon festival. " says Ms Harraway. " The ongoing recognition and contribution by the corporate sector for Showtime Canterbury is integral to it's success. We would like to build on this and we extend the opportunity to business and event organisers to join us and further contribute to Canterbury's eclectic personality. "

Unique, high quality events with a 'Canterbury flavour' are required, and application packs can be obtained by contacting festival organisers at the City Council Leisure Events offices on 941 8981.

Festival organisers have undertaken research, indicating which events the public enjoy. Fashion is always popular, and the Canterbury Fashion Collections and Awards will offer a sparkling evening of glamorous entertainment, followed by an after show party with fine food, champagne and dancing. Intended to showcase the diverse and talented designers that are based and work here, the awards are a celebration of the local fashion industry.

The collections will show the best of each designers work that includes streetwear, lifestyle, high fashion, bridal, eveningwear and accessories such as hats and jewellery.

Event Manager Denyse Saunders explains the importance of the evening: "The designers are very excited by this event that is supported by Christchurch City Council, and it's a fantastic opportunity to not only show their new seasons summer collections to the public, but many of them are flying in their buyers from around New Zealand".

" We chose Showtime Canterbury as the ideal time to have the collection and awards as it is already Canterbury's fashion week," she says. " With so much focus on fashion with both Addington and Riccarton Raceways, and of course the prestigious Cup Day, it seemed the natural choice."

Showtime Canterbury is proudly produced by Christchurch City Council Leisure. More information about the festival can be obtained by calling 941 8981.

Tomorrows photo opportunity will feature the work of top local designers Sonya Smith and Jan Maree Cooke in the Atrium of Christchurch Art Gallery from 12.15pm to 1pm.

ENDS.

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