This weekend, 13 – 15 March, we will open invite as many people as possible to come behind the fences and inside the Cathedral in the Square, tell us what you think and share your stories.
We have welcomed over 12,000 visitors (in groups of no more than 50) under the terms of our certificate of public use. We will welcome hundreds more next weekend as part of an open weekend for Christchurch.
This Open Weekend follows a series of activations we shared during the pause in construction: An art exhibition described as “a love letter to the city”; liturgical services followed by ANZAC Day with our Cathedral illuminated in red to commemorate New Zealand’s fallen during service; a Matariki celebration, illuminating the city’s most iconic heritage building; NZ Opera’s lead soprano performing the first aria of La bohème – it was breathtaking; The King’s Singers; Mission Trees; and Woolston Brass. We also lit the city’s icon in pink for the Breast Cancer Global Illuminations Campaign, and hosted Pet Week at the Cathedral.
Most recently, Cathedral Square Unearthed brought 1,500 visitors through over the course of a week. It’s a privilege to be able to do this, but we could do so much more if we were open.
There is great joy in keeping the Cathedral’s heart beating. We have done all of this at no cost to the project, but through the generosity of sponsors and supporters who want to see the Cathedral reopen, and Cathedral Square being returned to locals and visitors to our city.
Now we will need the city to speak up for us as part of the Council’s consultation. See last Friday’s special e-Life and have your say.
For now, reserve your spot to come and have a look, ask any questions and get ready to speak up for our Cathedral! Booking is essential.
Attachments
- 2_Cathedral_postcard PDF, 316 KB