An annual festival held in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula to celebrate the heritage of our district.

Christchurch Heritage Festival 2020: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 8 November

This spring, explore more than 50 events. Check back here in late September for programme details.

If you have any queries please email heritage@ccc.govt.nz

Theme 2020

Encounter our Stories – Arts, culture and identity

Anniversaries reflect aspects of the history of our district and provide a starting point for this year’s festival to explore and celebrate the arts, culture and identity of the many communities that live here.

Some of the anniversaries in 2020 we know about so far include:

  • 150 years since the opening of the Canterbury Museum building and the city’s first major art exhibition.
  • 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe and the Pacific.

Here in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula, we have many stories, from Ngāi Tahu, European settlers, Pasifika and people of other ethnic and cultural backgrounds who have made this place home.

The Christchurch Heritage Festival 2020 is an opportunity to share the stories of the past that explore and celebrate our historic journeys through arts, culture and identity.