"Tent" erected for for Christchurch Arts Festival

Wellington is to get its own version of the Dans Paleis (dance palace), the historic wooden tent from Belgium seen at arts festivals in Aotea Square and around the country last year.

Wellington architect Gus Watt has designed the 600 sq m, 300-seater "tent" and it is being built in the capital. It should be completed next week, ready for its debut at the Christchurch Arts Festival on July 18.

The structure will be erected in Victoria Square in Christchurch and will be the venue for jazz and cabaret every night of the city's festival.

It will be transported to Christchurch by sea in two containers, and will return to Wellington after the festival finishes on August 5.