Christchurch
Proved To Be ‘a melting pot’
Community Events Trust
proudly celebrated The Bartercard Global Extravaganza 2008
in style with locals, international dignitaries and government
officials
at Victoria Square on Sunday. The event also profiles Christchurch
Garden City
as ‘the centre of melting pot”.
The Amphitheatre was transformed in to huge celebration venue with combination of stylish décor by Acropolis and ethnic setting by Whirl Productions.
The event included cultural performances and fashion showcasing over fifty countries. Ethnic food stalls, craft information and demonstrations including body, Hanna painting, also children’s entertainment by Ronald McDonald.
Proceeds from commercial stalls go to the Ronald McDonald House.
Roving MC Brigid McClelland says- “There was a great turn out for the day and there was also a tremendous sense of pride which came through from the different nationalities representing their country in either dance song or fashion. I feel it was a fun filled family day which I personally was proud to be a part of ".
Deputy Mayor Norm
Withers addressed on behalf of the city.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to
give a huge thank to Sharon Lingham for all the work she has done to
bring this wonderful show to the city”.
Sharon is the president of the Trust and the founder of Global Extravaganza.
The opening of Global Fashion Extravaganza was done by central MP Nicky Wagner and the Minister of Immigration, Clayton Cosgrove as the event is about everyone joining forces together.
“I was inspired by the energy and excitement of Global Extravaganza 2008. It is a great celebration of and for the people of Christchurch. It's colourful, its vibrant and positive for the future of our city”. Says Nicky Wagner.
Mr Cosgrove brought greetings from the Prime Minister and also gave an inspiring speech and later told Newstalk ZB listeners how wonderful the event was.
Z Club from Avonside High School was formally introduced by Mr Withers. The unique Club focuses on youth developing leadership skills in high schools, promotes career exploration and encourages members to participate in community, school and international projects. It‘s aims reflect that of the Community Events Trust’s.
The global fashion show was hosted by Ali Jones of Newstalk ZB. The catwalk was just sequined of colour galore from the Pacific, Middle East, Asian and European countries.
"It was fantastic to be involved in this celebration of some of the many cultures in Christchurch. We learn so much from other cultures and it can be easy to forget the positive side of cultural diversity with so much negative coverage of racial issues in New Zealand," says the Newstalk ZB morning talk host Ali Jones.
Pansy Wong ( Ethnic Affairs), who could not attend
Global Extravaganza, said,
" I hope that
everyone here today enjoys themselves and embraces what the Global
Extravaganza is all about-accepting each other's cultures and
celebrating the differences-I am a firm believer that we One Nation,
Many People (with) Shared values".
The Trust thanks everyone including major sponsors - Bartercard NZ and Crown Limousines NZ Ltd. Also warmly thanks all sponsors ,businesses and of course the people of Canterbury.
Community Events Trust Board
includes- Sharon Lingham, Anne Judd, Mark Shane, Brigid
McClelland, Rodney Lingham, Sun Hwang and Yvonne Prebble.
Photos to follow..
Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand
to
Global
Extravaganza 2008
Global Extravaganza
TM 2008- Sunday 10 February
Global Fashion
Extravaganza at 3.00pm
Launched as a grand finale to the Festival of
Flowers in 2006,
Now Global
Extravaganza 2008
TM,
an extension of our previous event, will incorporate
Global Fashion Extravaganza to celebrate the diversity of nationalities in Canterbury
and to promote Christchurch city as 'a melting pot' to the
rest of the world.
The Amphitheatre was
transformed into a huge wedding venue
visitors and locals alike, enjoyed the colourful, non-stop event,
which amplified rave reviews and accolades including our deputy
Mayor,
Councilor Carole Evans.
Showcase
your own country’s entertainment,
fashion, food, arts & craft, & more!
All ages
welcome!
"Global
Wedding Extravaganza TM was launched in 2006 and proved
to be a huge success- attracting over 7,500 people.
The Christchurch Amphitheatre was transformed into a huge wedding
venue where
visitors and locals alike, enjoyed the colourful, non-stop global
entertainment, which
amplified rave reviews from the media and accolades including
our deputy Mayor, Councilor Carole Evans.
A huge thanks to every nation who did us so proud last year.
It was your team effort which made this event so successful."
- Sharon Lingham, Founder of Global Extravaganza
TM
(CEO of Crown Limousines NZ Ltd)
Proceeds to Ronald McDonald House
Proudly supported by Community Events Trust & Radio Network
Global Extravaganza's Recipient Charity
