WHAT'S NEW
Planning well underway for Ellerslie 2011
It is now four months since Christchurch hosted its second
Ellerslie International Flower Show and planning is now in full
swing for the next Show.
As you know, the 2010 Show was another outstanding success,
bringing more than 57,000 visitors to Christchurch and $14.73
million into the local economy during the five days it was held in
the city. It was compared to the world’s premier Chelsea Flower
Show in London and, overall, visitors to the Show were impressed
with the quality of the display gardens; venue layout; provision of
amenities and value for money. They also rated their enjoyment
of Ellerslie as very high.
Due to the success of last year’s Show, exhibitors and sponsors
are already showing a keen interest in being part of next year’s
Show. It is expected a number of new sponsors will be signing up
for 2011 while many of the sponsors from the previous two years
are also planning to return for next year’s Show. I look forward to
bringing you more details of who will be involved in coming
newsletters.
Exhibitors’ evenings began in Christchurch last month and will
now continue regularly until December. These are a good
opportunity for potential exhibitors to find out all they need to
know to make the decision to exhibit and become part of one of
the world’s top flower shows. Exhibitions in the 2010 Show were
of the highest international standard and the 2011 Show will be a
great opportunity for exhibitors to continue to lift the quality of their
gardens even further.
A number of exhibitors from previous years have already signed
up, including the Canterbury Horticultural Society, which has
decided to enter again after its gold medal winning success in
2009. It has doubled the size of its garden for next year but is
keeping the rest of the details under wraps. The Society, which is
the largest horticultural society in New Zealand, has decided to
enter the Show next year as a way of marking its 150th
anniversary. What a great way to celebrate!
Work is underway to secure a feature garden which has featured
on the world stage. Last year’s feature garden designed by multiwinning
Chelsea Flower Show garden designer Chris Beardshaw
was a huge hit and I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed with what
is planned for next year.
Details about the price of tickets are still being finalised but it is
likely that prices will remain the same as in 2010. Discounted
residents’ tickets will again be on offer too.
Tickets for the Ellerslie Premier Garden Party, New Zealand’s
most prestigious garden party, will remain at $125. This is always
a popular event and gives people the chance to mingle with
award-winning national and international garden designers while
enjoying a glass or two of bubbles and some nibbles.
The ideas for Show features being developed by the Ellerslie
team are exciting and I look forward to sharing these with you
over the coming months.
Make sure you mark 9-13 March 2011 in your diaries now. The
next Show is already shaping up to be an outstanding event!
Regards
BOB PARKER
MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH
