Newsletter September 2008

Only six months till Ellerslie International Flower Show comes to Christchurch

In less than six months Christchurch will be hosting its first Ellerslie International Flower Show. It has been a whirlwind 10 months since Christchurch bought the Ellerslie and began the process of relocating Show to the Garden City.

Important for Christchurch is to build on the success of the Show’s international reputation while creating an event which also has a strong southern flavour as we begin the journey to making Ellerslie one of the top five garden shows in the world.

What is fantastic is the real sense of excitement in our community about Ellerslie. There is strong support for the Show coming from every sector of our community; this is reflected in the growing number of horticultural exhibits, enthusiasm from the inner city to get involved in dressing our city for the event and tickets sales.

In just three weeks, Christchurch residents/ratepayers have bought almost 5000 tickets to the Show at the special price of $22 a ticket. I remind everyone there is only a week left for residents to buy their tickets at this special resident/ratepayer price. From 1 October, Christchurch residents can still buy tickets to Ellerslie but these will be at the Early Bird price of $28 each. This is Christchurch’s show and I want as many residents as possible to get the opportunity to experience Ellerslie.

Christchurch’s central city retailers will also be entering into the spirit of Ellerslie with Victoria Street, Worcester Boulevard and Central City retailers and businesses being encouraged to decorate their premises and streets in everything floral to be in to win some fabulous prizes. Friendly rivalry is already beginning to develop as these areas vie for the supreme award.

Ellerslie is New Zealand’s premier Garden Party and therefore hospitality is an important part of the event. A number of packages have been developed this month for next year’s Show which offer visitors plenty of variety to tailor a package for their needs. These are great as gifts to thank staff for their efforts or to host clients at Christchurch’s hottest new social event of 2009.

There is the glamorous Premier Garden Party on opening night, 10 March. But be in quick as tickets for this event are limited. This is the chance to see the Show, without the crowds, and before it opens on Wednesday 11 March. This soiree is the opportunity to meander among the exhibition gardens, enjoying canapés and champagne while waiting for the judges to announce the winning gardens. The Premier Garden Party.

Party is your chance to be the first to see Christchurch’s first Ellerslie International Flower Show.

The Breakfast Club is another package which enables you to beat the crowds. After a hearty buffet breakfast, you are taken on an exclusive VIP guided tour of the Show. Learn the secrets of what makes a great garden and be one of the first to learn about the garden design trends for 2009. At the end of the tour you are free to meander at your leisure, enjoying the remainder of the Show.

If breakfast is too early, then be part of the Garden Lunch Club. Take time to relax and enjoy a three-course lunch in the Copthorne Corporate Village’s silk-lined marquee before taking a stroll through the exhibits.

If dinner is more appealing, you can opt for Dinner at the Show on Friday and Saturday night. Come early, wander through the exhibits, and then relax while enjoying a three-course dinner and a special evening with an award-winning designer or celebrity guest speaker.

The difficulty will be in choosing just one hospitality package. These will be available online – www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz – from mid October. Remember tickets are limited to many of the events so book early.

Regards

BOB PARKER
MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH