Thousands at festival to show their love for beachside suburb

Riyana Kantharia and Spider-Man at the I Love New Brighton festival. Photo: Nichola Tyson
Riyana Kantharia and Spider-Man at the I Love New Brighton festival. Photo: Nichola Tyson
Thousands of people descended on Thomson Park to show their love for a coastal Christchurch suburb on Waitangi Day.

More than 30 community groups showcased what they do through activities, including sports, circus tricks and a police speed gun, at the 10th annual I Love New Brighton festival.

The main stage featured a kapa haka performance to kick the festival off and the Natural Magic Pirates and the band Hypnumb also drew in a crowd.

It was the first year the event had been held since Thomson Park was upgraded with a new basketball court.

The festival was funded by local businesses and the Coastal-Burwood Community Board.

Georgia Willems (right) in the spirit at the I Love New Brighton festival. Photo: Nichola Tyson
Georgia Willems (right) in the spirit at the I Love New Brighton festival. Photo: Nichola Tyson

The I Love New Brighton festival started with a kapa haka performance. Photo: Nichola Tyson
The I Love New Brighton festival started with a kapa haka performance. Photo: Nichola Tyson

Activities like face-painting kept people entertained at the festival. Photo: Nichola Tyson
Activities like face-painting kept people entertained at the festival. Photo: Nichola Tyson

Photo: Nichola Tyson
Photo: Nichola Tyson