Lights, camera, action!

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Lights, camera, action!

The world famous photographic exhibition Earth from Above will make its Australasian debut tonight at 8:30pm at the new Waitangi Park on the Wellington waterfront to kick off Festival celebrations!

Marking the beginning of the 2006 New Zealand International Arts Festival, the acclaimed aerial photographic exhibition is said to have been viewed by 50 million people worldwide. Based on the exhibitions popularity overseas, the Festival expects 200,000 visitors to view it. That would make it the single largest event of the Festival’s 20-year history.

The free outdoor exhibition will be displayed in the new Waitangi Park 24 hours a day for the next six weeks. The collection of 120 stunning images taken by acclaimed French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand virtually lifts viewers off the ground and into the air to witness a bird's-eye view of the extraordinary patterns and colours created both naturally and by man in landscapes all over the world. Alongside the photographs is a large walk-on map to explore where each photo was taken.

This huge project, proudly supported by SKYCITY Entertainment Group and supported by the Community Trust of Wellington and Wellington City Council for this New Zealand showing, took Arthus-Bertrand into the air in a helicopter at altitudes between 30 and 3000 meters and 14 years to complete.

Bring the family to the park to check out the photos this Saturday for A Capital Celebration, an afternoon of free music and fun for everyone. The first in a series of free Festival picnics that run each Saturday for the next four weeks.

On the day (Saturday 25 Feb) a funky mix of entertainment will be provided by top Wellington musicians, including The Phoenix Foundation, The Warratahs and the Vector Wellington Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Young. This is a day to introduce you to the Festival Zone. Picnickers will be able to check out the exceptional Earth from Above photographic exhibition proudly supported by SKYCITY Entertainment Group, see the giant Les Arts Sauts Dome supported by New Zealand Post, peek inside The National Bank Festival Club, which will house a feast of acts and entertainment, and have a play on the children’s playground. Bring a picnic and a sun hat. If it’s raining, the event will be held on the following day, Sunday 26 February.

When: Saturday 25 February, 1–4pm, Waitangi Park, Wellington

Keep your Saturdays in late February and March free for four weekly picnics in a row over the course of the Festival. The Festival runs from 24 February – 19 March so slip on your jandals, layer on the sunscreen, grab a picnic lunch and friends and family and head outdoors.

For full line-up details on all Festival shows and events visit the Festival website at www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz

ENDS

www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz

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