Central city, Things to do  |  Yesterday

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Mitre10 Sparks will light up the skies this weekend with a special Valentine’s Day themed concert at Hagley Park for lovers of free, open-air music.

Tom Rainey conducts the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with guest singers Naomi Ferguson, Kate Taylor, Nic Kyle and others in an evening of classical and contemporary performance on Saturday 14 February.

“Bring your lover, your friends, your whānau or come solo and enjoy an amazing evening of music and a spectacular fireworks finale,” says Lucy Blackmore, Christchurch City Council’s Events and Arts Manager.

This will be the 43rd year that Sparks has been held, and its popularity is growing with almost 24,000 people attending last year’s event.

“Mitre10 Sparks is a chance to relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a fabulous mix of classical and modern works. Come along and find out what it’s all about!” says Ms Blackmore.

All ages are welcome to this event and entry is free.

What you need to know

  • Entry opens at 5.30pm with live music from 6.25pm.
  • Main show starts at 7.30pm and the fireworks display choreographed to music is at 9.30pm.
  • For those being dropped off at the park, there will be a drop-off point on Park Terrace between Kilmore Street and Armagh Street.
  • Bike stands are opposite the roundabout over the Armagh Street bridge. Mobility parking is available on Chester Street West. 
  • Car parks are available throughout the central city, which you can find using our interactive map. Note: the Botanic Gardens Armagh Street carpark will be closed to incoming traffic from 3.30pm.
  • If there is wet weather or high winds, Mitre10 Sparks may be postponed until Sunday 15 February. Updates will be posted on the Christchurch City Council Facebook Page the event Facebook Page and at What’s On.