Videos to be used to explain festival concept

Press, 30 May 1989, Page 7

Videos to be used to explain festival concept

By

KAY FORRESTER

Christchurch City councillors will watch videos at next month’s property and promotion committee meeting to help them decide if the council should play a big part in the proposed 1992 Garden Festival.

The promoter of the festival expo, Mr Ray Sleeman, outlined the proposal to the committee yesterday but councillors were still unclear on exactly what was involved and what part the council should take. Mr Sleeman said the three videos of British festivals would explain far better than he could, so the committee opted to watch them next month. Mr Sleeman, who is also general manager of the Christchurch Town Hall, has formed a company, New Zealand International Garden Festival,

Ltd, to promote the festival. He, his wife, and a solicitor were the only people in the company, he said.

The presentation was prompted by a request from Mr Sleeman for council funds towards the $200,000 second stage of a feasibility study on the festival.

The project had the support of the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department and the Canterbury Regional Development Council, he said. Mr Sleeman envisaged an expo of displays and exhibitions with a garden and horticultural theme on 50 acres in Hagley Park for six months from November, 1992, to March-April, 1993. He also envisaged considerable council input.

“Without the Christchurch City Council playing . a leading role the

festival will not take place,” he said.

A decision to enable the festival to be held in 1992 would need to be made late this year by which time the feasibility study would have to be completed, he said. Councillors were wary of the festival because of size and the commitment being sought from the council.

They voted, however, to recommend a positive attitude towards the project. Comment will be sought from the deputy general manager (parks), Mr Rob Dally, and the Christchurch promotion director, Miss Gillian Wess. Civic chambers A tender for $494,880 for renovations of the Old Municipal Chambers has been accepted. Chas. S. Luney, Ltd, will complete the work which

includes a basement in the Oxford Terrace building.

The foyer of the council’s Tuam Street offices will be made available to groups for displays and exhibitions but the council chamber itself will not be opened to the public. Vandalism and thefts in the past, including that of the Mayor’s gavel, discouraged the committee opening the door to the chamber for other than specific functions. More seats will be provided in the foyer. Activities there will be co-ordinated by the inner city promotion section. Town crier A sub-committee will appoint Christchurch’s first town crier. The crier will be employed for a six-month trial. Two applications have been received so far.