The Temple for Christchurch is set to burn on Saturday September 21st at the Motukarara Racecourse. Containing nearly 24 tonne of wood, it will be the biggest bonfire New Zealand has ever seen. The fiery spectacle is the grand finale for the art installation and community mental health project which is open until Sunday September 15th on the site of the former convection centre in central Christchurch. The burning of the Temple is designed to signify the release of the experiences written on it's walls.

“There is not much time left for people to come and see the Temple and write on its walls” said project manager and artist Hippathy Valentine. “After Sunday night we will close the Temple and begin preparing it to be transported out to Motukarara. It will be sad to see it go but I'd be kidding myself if I wasn't looking forward to seeing it all go up in flames” he said.

The burn event, which starts at 2:30pm, is set to be an afternoon of fun filled community activities where attendees are encouraged to “participate” rather than “spectate”. Inspired by the ten principles of Burning Man* it incorporates gifting, participation and communal effort.

“We're excited to see how attendees react to the idea that they are participants rather than spectators” said Christchurch's Burning Man regional representative Kathy Guidi. “This will be the first time that Christchurch has been asked to embrace the ten principles of Burning Man and co-create the event as a community” she said.

“With a limited number of tickets available and high interest we suggest people get in fast. The evening will feature some of New Zealand's best fire performers and is a rare opportunity that is not to missed” Hippathy said.

The Temple for Christchurch Burn Event will be held at the Motukarara Racecourse on Saturday September 21st. The event runs from 2:30pm until 10:00pm and tickets are available online at templeforchch.eventbrite.co.nz.

ENDS

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