Changes to this year's NZ Cup & Show Week

New Zealand Cup and Show Week is back on track and less than three weeks away to provide all the racing, fashion and farmyard atmosphere that makes Canterbury Anniversary the best week of the year in Christchurch.

Christchurch City Council Marketing Manager Richard Stokes says while most of the events from 5 to 12 November are back on for this year, some will have a different look and feel.

“The main difference at Addington’s Cup Day will be the new developments they’re putting up in replace of the earthquake damaged Main Public Stand that has been pulled down. I’m sure people will enjoy the new seating, marquees, food outlets, bars, stages and big screens in its place.”

Stokes says another big change is the Canterbury Racing Club’s decision to make Christchurch Casino NZ Cup Day at Riccarton Park on 12 November an R18 event.

“Restricting the event to those 18-years-old and over will help manage issues of underage drinking and will particularly protect the unique ‘car park party’, which enables people to self cater food and beverages.”

Some exceptions apply for those accompanying a minor in the reserved car parks and the member and corporate stands, however they will need to be registered through the Canterbury Racing Club before Friday 28 October. The Carriage Paddock area will be strictly R18.

All other race days at Riccarton and Addington during Cup Week are non age restricted events, however both Cup Days will be using wristbands to identify those drinking and those found to be intoxicated will be asked to leave the event.

This year’s Canterbury A&P Show will run from Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 November with non stop entertainment, competitions, shopping, exhibitors and rides. Canterbury Agricultural Park came away from the February earthquake unscathed and was home to the Farmy Army after the February and June earthquakes.

Racegoers looking for their perfect outfit will welcome the reopening of City Mall and department store Ballantynes in early November, right before Cup Week kicks off. While it will provide a familiar place for punters to shop, the area will have a different feel to it.

The new shopping precinct, dubbed Re:Start, is being built from shipping containers, re-establishing 27 shops and cafés in the heart of what was the city’s retail area before the quakes.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker encourages people to make every effort to attend the events during Cup Week and join together to celebrate the city’s anniversary.

“While the challenges we face are ongoing, it’s important to be able to take some time out and enjoy life. Cup Week will be a chance to do just that.”

Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek (ticketek.co.nz). Visit nzcupandshow.co.nz for more info.