What’s On in February

Sparks: A Symphony of Lights and Music (3 Feb)

Back for its 41^st year, Sparks will once again be lighting up North Hagley Park with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza. In partnership with Mitre10 and Newstalk ZB, this event will feature the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra under the baton of David Kay. The theme, ‘music bringing us together to celebrate our place in the world and beyond’, resonates through performances by Kiwi vocal legend Annie Crummer, and local talents Roslen Ulaula and Harry Burt. With a variety of food and drink options available, this is a perfect evening to enjoy with friends and family.

Z Manu World Champs: A Splash of Kiwi Culture (9 – 11 Feb)

Dive into the fun at the Z Manu World Champs qualification event in the dive/manu pool at Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre. Celebrating a unique Kiwi pastime, this event will showcase various styles including the classic manu, staple, the gorilla, and the coffin. The event will kick off on Friday 9 February with the free Push Play Manu Sessions, followed by two action-packed days of qualification heats to find 14 finalists. The manu’s will be judged using an innovative software, ManuTech, which will instantly freeze and calculate the splash height and volume so a unique score can be given to each athlete.

The Grand Final will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Saturday 9th of March, where a ‘Pop Meter’ will be introduced to measure the decibels each competitor’s Manu produces. Thanks to Z, any qualifiers from Ōtautahi Christchurch will receive a $500 Z voucher to help in making it to the finals!

All entrants receive a beach towel thanks to Snackachangi, each finalist will receive a medal, and there are cash prizes for both males and females that come first, second, and third place in both the adult and youth divisions.

To enter the competition, or for additional information, see the Manu World Champs website here.

Chinese New Year Festival: A Cultural Celebration (9 – 11 Feb)

Join the vibrant celebration of the Year of the Dragon at North Hagley Park. The Happy Chinese New Year Festival, funded by the Christchurch City Council and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, offers an authentic experience. This fun-filled weekend will include a lantern lighting ceremony, dazzling fireworks display, live shows promising captivating performances from global artists, and international food stalls to indulge in an array of diverse culinary delights.

For further information around this event, you can visit the Christchurch City Council website here.

Lexus Urban Polo: Sport and Style in the City (10 Feb)

Experience the thrill of polo with a modern twist at Hagley Park. The Lexus Urban Polo event is an R18 affair that combines sport, music, fashion, and food. It offers a unique version of polo that’s shorter and faster, perfect for an urban setting. Beyond the game, there are opportunities to meet players, enjoy live DJ sets, and participate in various activities, making it a must-attend event for those seeking a blend of elegance and excitement.

Additional information and tickets can be found here.

Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon: Fostering Young Champions (25 Feb)

Finally, the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon at Jellie Park is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to shine. Open to kids aged 6 to 15, the event includes swimming, biking, and running segments, tailored to different age groups. The Splash & Dash for 6-year-olds is a highlight, offering a gentle introduction to the world of triathlons. More than just a competition, the TRYathlon is all about building confidence, having fun, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among the youth in New Zealand.

For further information or to enter, head to the TRYathlon website here.