Quake forces cancellations of raft of events

Tents set up for the Ellerslie Flower Show were used as a temporary refuge centre in central Christchurch following the quake. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Last week's 6.3-magnitude Christchurch earthquake has forced the cancellation of a raft of events in and around the damaged city.

Heading the list is the Ellerslie International Flower Show, scheduled for March 9-13.

Full refunds are available from Ticketek, with the option of the ticket price being refunded directly to the Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal.

All pool and recreation centres within Christchurch are closed until further notice, and all events, classes and programmes are on hold.

The Art Gallery has been closed until further notice and is currently housing the emergency operations centre.

All SummerTimes events have been cancelled until further notice, including the PSIS Children's Day scheduled for March 6.

All Lazy Sunday and Sunday Bandstand concerts have been cancelled, and Summer in the Suburbs community events including Culture Galore (March 12), Heathcote River Day (March 13), and Thompson Park Skate Jam (March 26).

All service centres and libraries in Christchurch are closed until further notice, with only Akaroa and Little River open.

All Christchurch City Libraries Book Month events, set to run throughout March, have been cancelled until further notice.

The City to Surf 12km and 6km run on March 27 is likely to be cancelled, but an official statement from organisers has yet to be released.

Christchurch City Council public affairs manager Lydia Aydon said the immediate focus was on the rescue, recovery and welfare of the people of Christchurch.

"It's unfortunate we have had to make so many cancellations, but public safety and the recovery efforts remain the top priority at this time."

- NZPA