Antarctic Superstars to feature at new NZ IceFest

6 August 2012

Antarctic Superstars to feature at new NZ IceFest

Over 100 hundred big-name guests ranging from scientists, artists, international negotiators, and heritage conservators will be participating in this year’s NZ IceFest.

The festival opens on 14 September for a month and will see Hagley Park Events Village transformed into Hagley Park Ice Station. The festival’s official programme on www.nzicefest.co.nz reveals the large scale of the event.

Mayor Bob Parker said that the positive response of so many featured guests to the invitation to take part showed the strength and significance of the New Zealand – Antarctica relationship.

“This demonstrates that our city is ready and able to launch a brand new biennial festival on a large scale. People who are regarded as Antarctic superstars are more than ready to support Christchurch, to lead the way in demonstrating what Christchurch is capable of a year-and-a-half after the Canterbury Earthquakes.

“The festival will be an injection of fun, energy and pure celebration into our city, bringing Antarctica to Christchurch.”

Hagglund rides, a themed outdoor ice-skating rink and an Antarctic Field camp will provide plenty of fun for families, particularly during the school holidays.

One high profile guest will be Chadden Hunter, BBC producer of the Frozen Planet Series. At the festival he will discuss the challenges of filming in Antarctica, reveal never-before-seen footage and share, using multi-media, the filmmakers’ approach to climate change and the science behind the stories.

Poet Bill Manhire, playwright Bernadette Hall, and photographer Anne Noble, are among a number of renowned artists who will talk with audiences about the challenges of interpreting Antarctica through art.

A highlight will be the sensory exhibition experience STILL LIFE, where visitors will step inside a 10-metre white cube and will be immersed in the projected images of Jane Ussher’s evocative photographs of the first Antarctic explorers’ expedition bases. These iconic buildings, now cared for by the Antarctic Heritage Trust, are associated with some of the most inspirational and harrowing stories within polar history.

The exhibition will literally cater for everyone’s tastes, says NZ IceFest Director Jo Blair.

“Antarc-tucker will be the catch-phrase on everyone’s lips whether they are sampling an NZ IceFest cocktail, an Antarctic fluffy or tucking into hot foot based around Hagley Park Ice Station.

“Devoted foodies will love the 100 year Antarctic dinner. We’ve got renowned local chefs Jonny Schwass, Andrew Brown and Richard Till setting out on a culinary mission of epic proportions. Somehow they are going to capture the 100-year New Zealand/Antarctica relationship in a meal.”

Follow @nzicefest today on Twitter as some of the festival’s biggest names are revealed.

ENDS

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