Rugby on menu at Long Lunch

Food and rugby will draw about 700 people into central Nelson for a communal feast tomorrow, while hundreds more will take part in the lunchtime event in other areas of the region.

The Long Lunch will take place on Trafalgar St to celebrate two years until the 2011 Rugby World Cup. All things Italian will dominate the event to recognise that Italy will play two games in the city during the world cup.

At the top of Trafalgar St at 10am a Nelson chef will attempt to make New Zealand's longest strand of pasta. The actual lunch will begin at midday and last for two hours.

The event will feature music and entertainment as people sit to eat their lunch, which they will bring with them. The first 500 tickets for the lunch sold within two weeks of being announced, prompting an extra 200 to be put on sale. Now only 40 are left, said Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dot Kettle.

A line of tables will stretch from Selwyn Place to Bridge St and rugby balls will be passed up the length of the tables to be signed by diners. The balls will be presented to the teams that play in Nelson during the cup.

Road closures will be in place in Trafalgar St, from Selwyn Place to Bridge St, between 8am and 5pm.

Richmond Mall is also holding its own long lunch. Mall manager David Hill said there would be no charge to participate. People could bring their own lunch or buy something to eat at the mall.

The venue would be themed in red, white and green and Waimea Intermediate will conduct a pasta-making display. Mr Hill expected about 2000 people to attend the lunch between 12pm and 2pm.

The Mapua and Districts Business Association will stage its version of the event at the Mapua Wharf, between 12pm and 2pm. Entry will be free and there will be live entertainment and about 160 places for people to sit at tables. People are invited to bring their own lunch, but can buy it at the village's cafes, said association co-ordinator Janet Taylor.

"It's just a chance for the community to come together and enjoy each other's company."