Fire & Ice Festival Lights up Winter

The art of ice sculpting is once again making a blazing return to Kaiapoi. Blackwell’s Department Store Fire & Ice Festival is lighting up Kaiapoi on Saturday 8th July.

The event has become an iconic fixture to set a flame to the winter season since Blackwells reopened its new building after the 2010 earthquakes.

Victor Cagayat, Auckland Artist will return to carve his magic, by turning large blocks of ice into sculptures in the Blackwell’s Department Store carpark between 12.30pm - 3.30pm.

This year one of the designs for the sculptures will be the winner of a contest Blackwell’s have been running with the local primary schools and children.

Strawberry Fairy and her fairy friend will join the festivities for free face painting and magical moments for the children between 1.30-3.30pm.

Then as the evening cools down, the night market will run from 4.30-7.30pm, with a wide variety of food and craft stalls lining the carpark.

The ice sculptures will be lit up showcasing Victor’s masterpieces, and Dr Sanchez returns to play the soundtrack for the night with his Latin guitar.

This year the community will be amazed by new performing artists including aerialists, stilt walkers, and LED hula hoopers, ensuring fun and festivities for all ages throughout the evening.

To end the entertainment, Kitty Strawberry, a local Christchurch Fire and LED performer will pair up with Otautahi Fire Group to bring the crowds an amazing fire performance including fire poi and fire breathing!

This year Creative Communities, Enterprise North Canterbury and Harcourts Four Seasons have generously come on board as major sponsors for this event. Their sponsorship alongside other sponsors has allowed us to further grow the event. The Kaiapoi Club has also pitched into the festival, making a section of their carpark available to allow a greater space for the event. As with previous years, the Fire and Ice Festival coincides with the Kaiapoi Art Expo.

Andrew Blackwell, event organiser, says the Kaiapoi Art Expo is a great way to celebrate the many talented artists in Kaiapoi and wider districts. While the festival offers a chance for the community to rug up and get together and celebrate all things Fire & Ice. “It is always a good community night for the town to come out and warm up with a cup of complimentary mulled wine (for those over 18).”

Blackwells Department Store will also be open late with plenty of Fire & Ice clothing specials, making it the perfect night to rug up, come together and enjoy this free event on Saturday 8th July.

(03) 327 7789