Building up to Sunday's big match

With a high turn out of fans anticipated for the New Zealand v France Rugby World Cup 2011 Final this weekend, an additional large screen will be in place at the Fanzone in North Hagley Park.

Christchurch City Council Marketing Manager Richard Stokes says this will allow for a few thousand more people to view and hear the match from just outside the Fanzone.

“We’ve seen the Fanzone packed out for big matches, such as last weekend’s semi final. So we want to make sure there’s enough space for everyone to comfortably view the action, especially now that the All Blacks have made it to the final.”

The match will kick off at 9pm on Sunday night following pre-match entertainment with live music from The Thomas Oliver Band at 5:45pm and internationally renowned artist Anika Moa from 6:45pm.

Friday night will also be a big one in the Fanzone with the Australia v Wales Bronze Final at 8:30pm. The Funky Hot Mamas will be belting out hits of the 60s 70s and 80s in the lead up to the match from 6pm, and Dr Sanchez Combo will take over at 7pm playing a mixture of traditional Mediterranean and South American songs, from artists Paco de Lucia, Armik and Santana.

This weekend is also the last chance for people to check out the Presenting Canterbury festival in the area across from the Fanzone. The free event is open daily from 11am to 5pm with retail stalls, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, face painting, a bouncy castle, live music, court jesters, buskers and dance acts.

“This really is your last chance to get into the action at the Fanzone – and with New Zealand in the final, there really is not better place to be than in a crowd of excited fans,” says Stokes.

People are advised to allow plenty of time for traffic and parking to secure a good spot at the Fanzone.

Visit www.christchurchnz2011.com for more information on Rugby activity in Christchurch and to view the complete events schedule at the Fanzone.