Botanic Gardens hosts exciting Night of D'Light

Children and adults will be enchanted by the magical Night of D'Light – a captivating night-time experience set in our world class Botanic Gardens that begins tomorrow night at dusk.

Operations Manager, Garden and Heritage Parks Jeremy Hawker says the experience will be like nothing ever seen in the Gardens before.

"Visitors to the Botanic Gardens will begin their journey at either the Museum or the Armagh Street footbridge, follow an illuminated route through the gardens under the cover of darkness and become part of a fairytale-like atmosphere that will delight both children and the young at heart. It's an event not to be missed."

"The display will use new technologies to highlight areas of interest in the Gardens and has been put together by award winning garden designers. There will be interactive faces projected onto trees, a kinetic structure where people can move to create light and shadow on a screen and the very latest in laser-light technology will be shining on the lake. It's going to be super cool, and with an expected attendance of 3000 to 5000 visitors per night, families will need to arrive early and plan their parking or catch a bus.

"Kids – bring a torch and a gold coin donation – the money collected will be used to create a special Children's Garden that you'll be able to visit when it's ready. Parents – leave your worries at the gate, suspend your real world for a time and indulge in a few hours of child-like fantasy," says Mr Hawker.

This unique night encounter has been made possible by The Press in association with Christchurch City Council KidsFest.

Night of D'Light starts on Wednesday 8 July and finishes on Sunday 12 July 2015 and runs from 5.30 to 8.30pm. The event will take place regardless of the weather and no bookings are required. Entry after 8pm is not advised as there will not be enough time to see everything.

The walk can begin at two different places: groups can either start at Rolleston Avenue next to the museum or the Armagh Street car park footbridge (across the river from the children's playground). Pedestrians will be able to enter the Botanic Gardens via the Armagh Street Bridge on Rolleston Avenue but there is no vehicle access and the carpark is closed for repairs. Other walkways for pedestrians are available off Deans Avenue and Harper Avenue.

Only 500 parks are available in the Botanic Gardens so the public are urged to plan ahead and consider parking on local roads near the Botanic Gardens. Car park access will only be available from Riccarton Ave. Motorists are advised to expect possible delays around Riccarton Avenue and Rolleston Avenue during this event. For bus information go to www.metro.co.nz

Food and drinks will be available from Ilex café which will be open during the event. UV face painting will be available, along with glow stick merchandise and torches to purchase at both entry points and the gift shop. Lost children or property can be collected from the Visitors Centre gift shop in the Gardens.

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