CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE
4 February 2009

Jousting under a sparkly night

Prepare to be bowled over by the spectacle. The ASB Classical Sparks tomorrow will incorporate a historical reconstruction – a full-blown, late fourteenth century Joust during the musical extravaganza.

 The audience at the free annual event will be encouraged to cheer for ‘their team’ (red or black) when the four jousters, protected by steel armour and shields, will aim to score points by breaking wooden lances on each other.

Specialist English Heritage Consultant Alan Larsen, who puts together historically-themed events, says all jousters are thoroughly trained by him and are very skilled. The audience will be protected from the thundering horses by barriers.

 The horses for the event are provided by the Blue Springs Polo School and Equestrian Sports Facility, owned by Mark Donald, who also provides the Crusader-costumed horses and riders at the Canterbury Crusaders games.

The jousting will take place after Classical Sparks is opened with local kapa haka group, Te Ahikaaroa.

Organised by the Christchurch City Council and BeThere.co.nz as part of the 2009 SummerTimes festival, ASB Classical Sparks is the biggest annual event in the programme and is enjoyed by between 80,000 to 120,000 people every year.
 ASB Classical Sparks

North Hagley Park
Thursday, 8 pm to 10.30 pm

Starring –
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
And featuring Showbiz Christchurch 
Also the Southern Opera Chorus

SummerTimes events this week

Sunday Bandstand

Sun Feb 8 - various venues. 2 pm - 3 pm

·        Weather Station Lawn, Botanic Gardens

·        Cathedral Square

·        Scarborough Reserve, Sumner

The Breeze Lazy Weekends Programme

Sat Feb 7

 Pacific Arts Festival

 Pasifika

 Arts Centre

Sun Feb 8

3.30 - 5 pm

 Praesto String Quartet

 Classical

 Botanic Gardens

ends

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