Plans set for Ellerslie Flower show crowds

KIRK HARGREAVES/The Press

FLOWER MAN: Punting on the Avon is one of the exhibits for next week's Ellerslie Flower Show.

Relevant offers

Ellerslie International Flower Show organisers hope changes from last year's event will prevent long queues and traffic jams when the show opens in Christchurch next week.

The annual five-day event, which opens to the public next Wednesday, is in its second year in the Garden City.

More than 75,000 people attended the inaugural Christchurch show, delighting organisers but frustrating those who waited in long queues and traffic jams.

Show managing director Dave Mee said about 1000 people would work on the flower show site this weekend.

Mee said the organisers were better prepared for this year's event.

"Last year, we didn't know what to expect in some areas – now, there are a lot more knowns than unknowns."

Extra food stalls, toilets and seating areas had been added, while exhibits had been "spread out a bit more in the front".

The show would be open an extra hour daily, with cheaper afternoon-only tickets encouraging people to attend later in the day.

"Last year, a lot of people arrived in the morning to be the first ones there, but you have to remember that the exhibits don't change over the day. This way, even if we have the same numbers, they'll hopefully be spread out over the whole day," Mee said.

Traffic signs showing different routes alongside increased carpark entries and exits should avoid traffic jams.

About 40,000 tickets had been sold by yesterday, with walk-up crowds expected to boost numbers.

However, attendance was expected to be smaller than last year, with Mee hoping for an overall crowd of 60,000 to 65,000.

"There was a huge honeymoon factor for the first show, so that needs to be taken into account; what we're looking for now is attendance numbers that are sustainable in the long term."

Mee said this year's show would have more horticultural exhibits and "a lot more flowers".

He is hoping for good weather to boost the crowds.

- © Fairfax NZ News