Are all the events still on this year following February’s earthquake?
Yes. Despite minor set backs, all of this year’s New Zealand Cup and Show Week events are back on track from Saturday 5 to Saturday 12 November.
What days are the key events?
The Festival will launch with Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas Day on Saturday 5 at Riccarton Park. Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day at Addington will be back on Tuesday 8, Canterbury A&P Show from Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 and the week wraps up with Christchurch Casino Cup and NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas Day at Riccarton Park on Saturday 12.
Visit the new, live website at HYPERLINK "http://www.nzcupandshow.co.nz" nzcupandshow.co.nz for more information on events, attractions and competitions during the week.
Have any of the venues been damaged in the earthquakes?
Both Riccarton Park and the Canterbury Agricultural Park came away relatively unscathed from the February earthquake. While Cup Day at Addington is definitely still on this year, the event will go ahead without its Public Stand due to earthquake damage. The stand has already been successfully taken down and the space is being replaced with marquees, grandstand seating, stalls and a stage area.
Where can I get tickets from?
Tickets are on sale now and available through ticketek.co.nz, ricartonpark.co.nz and addington.co.nz (service/transaction fees may apply).
How is excessive alcohol consumption at the events being managed this year?
NZ Cup Day at Riccarton Park on 12 November will be restricted to those 18-years-old and over. This is to deter underage drinking and irresponsible behaviour. This will particularly protect the unique “car park party” on Saturday's Cup Day and will enable people to still self cater food and beverages.
Some exceptions apply for those accompanying a minor in the reserved car parks, as well as the member and corporate stands, however they will need to be registered before Friday 28 October (contact Riccarton Park on 03 336-0000 to register a minor). The Carriage Paddock area, west of the Grand National Lawn, will however be strictly R18.
All other race days at both Riccarton and Addington during Cup Week are non age restricted events. However, both Cup Days will be using wristbands to identify those old enough to drink and to manage people who are intoxicated. Those who have had too much to drink will have their wristband removed and will be asked to leave the events.
What is the Ballantynes Face of NZ Cup and Show Week competition about?
People who get their picture taken at the photo booth at Addington Cup Day on Tuesday 8 can then tag that image of themselves on the NZC&SW Facebook page and go in the draw to win a $1000 beauty voucher.
Are any of the events offering anything extra to Canterbury residents?
Yes. Entry to this year’s Lindauer Family Race Day at Addington Raceway on Friday 11 will be by gold coin donation to Variety – the Children’s Charity. This is a small way they can give back to the community after the difficult year everyone has been through.
What is the Shout My Mate competition about?
Four of the most deserving Canterbury families or groups will win the ultimate NZ Cup and Show Week experience, including tickets, entertainment, food, fashion and more. The winning four entries of 'Shout My Mate' will also go into a live draw for the grand prize - a trip for four to Las Vegas, including flights, accommodation and a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. The final draw will be announced at NZ Cup Day at Riccarton Park on Saturday 12 November.
People can enter online at – HYPERLINK "http://www.nzcupandshow.co.nz/competitions" www.nzcupandshow.co.nz/competitions.
Are the Christchurch Casino and Ballantynes back onboard this year?
Yes Christchurch Casino will be providing evening entertainment and Ballantynes will still be offering fashion advice and beauty tips this year. Ballantynes’ Central City store is set to reopen in early November as part of the Re:Start project, opening just before the launch of Cup Week.
What else is happening in Canterbury around NZ Cup and Show Week?
The biannual Piper Heidsieck French Fest will be held in Akaroa from 28 to 30 October.
Christchurch’s sky will light up on Saturday 5 November with a 15-minute fireworks display accompanied by a modern music medley off the New Brighton Pier from 9pm.
TV3 show 7 Days will be performing live at the Dome in the Events Village, Hagley Park, on Wednesday 9 November, from 6.30pm. There will be three hours of filming on Wednesday for the 30 minute broadcast on Friday 11 November. Tickets are $45 and available from Ticketek.
Taste Jazz/Taste Blues, a mini New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival, will be held the weekend of the 5 and 6 November at the Events Village in North Hagley Park. This free event is in response to this year’s NZ Jazz & Blues Festival being cancelled following the February earthquake.
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s The Last Night of the Proms is on Saturday 5 November at the CBS Arena. Tickets are $25 and $15 from Ticketek.