Unprecedented numbers enjoy Ellerslie International Flower Show

Large crowds flocked to the second day of the Ellerslie International Flower Show in Christchurch today.

More than 20,000 people visited the Show, enjoying the warmer weather and variety of horticultural exhibits on display.

“Numbers are unprecedented,” says Ellerslie International Flower Show Managing Director Dave Mee.

“While there were queues for all the marquees, most visitors were happy to wait to see the award-winning exhibits for which Ellerslie is internationally renowned.

“There are always queues at a Show of this calibre and visitors need to plan their trip to allow a few hours to enjoy all aspects of the Show,” he says.

“I suggest visitors break up their visit to the marquees by taking in the exhibition gardens, enjoying a coffee or lunch and checking out the many retail stands.”

About 36,000 visitors have viewed the more than 80 horticultural exhibits, including 25 exhibition gardens, during the first two days of the Show.

He says the Show stayed open an hour later to 7pm last night to allow visitors who had queued to get to see the exhibits, and additional seating will on site tomorrow to accommodate for the unprecedented crowds.

Traffic was again delayed along Harper Avenue and surrounding streets with visitors arriving for the 10am opening of Ellerslie.

Mr Mee says the Show’s Traffic Management Plan was reviewed today and additional staffing will be on site to assist during the next three days.

“Additional neon signage is to be erected on Harper and Bealey Avenues alerting motorists that there is an event in North Hagley Park. This should ensure other traffic is diverted to alternative routes surrounding the Park and help to alleviate the pressure.”

He says visitors to the Show are encouraged to either park off site or use public transport and walk to the Show along Worcester Boulevard where there are plenty of supporting floral exhibits and events.

The Ellerslie International Flower Show runs to 6pm this Sunday 15 March, with late nights to 8.30pm tomorrow and Saturday night.