Warm welcome for icy traveller

Christchurch skies will roar on Thursday as the Globemaster C17 buzzes the city to help mark the Antarctic Season Opening. This weekend marks the beginning of Antarctic-related festivities, and the C17 will stop off to celebrate before it heads south for the first time this season.

As a gateway city to Antarctica, Christchurch embraces the southern continent, and is celebrating all things frozen in October.

With support from the diplomatic sector, the festival focuses on the ‘how’ of the Antarctic: transport, survival, innovation and logistics.

Robert Falcon Scott’s statue has been restored after suffering damage in the earthquakes. When it is reinstated on Friday 6 October, Dr Dan Asquith, Scott’s great grandson, and his children, will be there to witness the return of the memorial.

The Antarctic Office has a swathe of ice-loving events organised for the month, celebrating the past, present and future role of Christchurch’s relationship with Antarctica.

Events include:
• Tuesay 3 – Re-imagining Antarctic Gateway Cities – Exploring Christchurch as a gateway to the Antarctic (free talk).
• Saturday 7 – 10am-4pm Several thousand locals are expected to visit Antarctic Air Day where five Antarctic aircraft will line the tarmac.
• Sunday 8 – 10am South to Antarctica Church Service at the Transitional Cathedral
• Sunday 8 – Lyttelton’s Antarctic Connections (free walk).

There are more than twenty events over the month. For full details, visit:
www.antarctic-office.org.nz\participate\whats-on

ENDS

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