Festivals and Fan Zones

Fan Zones

From the Nelson Cathedral steps looking down Trafalgar Street, Nelson. Previously known as Live Sites, the Nelson Tasman region is proposing two Fan Zones for RWC 2011 fans to watch the semi-finals and the RWC 2011 Final.

Dates

Semi-finals: Saturday and Sunday, 15 and 16 October 2011

The Final: Sunday, 23 October 2011

Upper Trafalgar Street

It is proposed that a Fan Zone will be located in Nelson in Upper Trafalgar Street. The iconic Nelson Cathedral will serve as a backdrop, with a large screen potentially located on the Cathedral steps. Upper Trafalgar Street is a fun, energy filled atmosphere that can showcase the Nelson region, local beers and wines as well as live talent for entertainment.  A skilful merging of the RWC 2011 games on offer at the same time as the Nelson Arts Festival

It should be noted that Council is leaving open the final decision as to the optimum location until regional hosting activities are decided in December 2009. Alternatives could be an indoor multi-zone complex set in the Trafalgar Centre or a more varied and intimate venue could be Founder's Heritage Park.

Sports Park Motueka

A Fan Zone could be located in Tasman in Sports Park Motueka, but the final decision on a Tasman location is still to be made. The concept would be to bring 'live' world class Rugby to Sports Park Motueka and to all of Tasman. The local community is home to passionate Rugby fans who would create a colourful and vibrant stadium feel with real match atmosphere and added entertainment.

Nelson's Festival of Rugby

Birthplace of New Zealand Rugby

Nelson's unique attribute is as the birthplace of Rugby in New Zealand. Many of the RWC 2011 visitors and supporters will expect a sense of history and celebration of Rugby heritage. New Zealand is recognised world-wide for our Rugby prowess and the All Blacks are second to none in terms of international branding. As the country's Rugby birthplace, Nelson is planning a commemmoration of the first game of Rugby in New Zealand in 1870.

Read more about Nelson as the Birthplace of New Zealand Rugby.

Event schedule

Starting in 2011, Nelson plans to have a number of events leading up to RWC 2011 to celebrate Rugby, Nelson, and New Zealand. Stay tuned as we start planning for events, we'll list them here.

Existing annual events that could coordinate with RWC 2011 in Nelson Tasman include:

Two women participate in the Nelson Arts Festival Masked Parade. The Nelson Arts Festival

13 - 24 October 2011

Since 1995, the Nelson Arts Festival has offered Nelsonians and visitors ten days of top national and international theatre, dance, cabaret, music and talks as well as a range of community events. Consideration will be given to the best utilisation by the region of the opportunity afforded by RWC 2011 to broaden the arts and culture offering.

Cherry Blossom Festival

September sees the annual celebration of the coming of spring and of Nelson's relationship with its Japanese sister city Miyazu.  This special event, where beautiful authentic costumes are matched by stunning cherry blossom displays has been running since 1995. The gathering at Miyazu Garden attracts a large gathering where wonderful displays of Japanese culture are enjoyed by all. 

October Beer Fest

Founders Heritage Park is home to the quarterly 'Dead Good Beer Event' which is a seasonal event to celebrate local craft beers.

Last of the Summer Fare

Richmond's own boutique wine and food festival held annually in March is considering an option to replicate the event to become the 'First of the Summer Fare' in 2011 to provide a festival atmosphere in the new urban space in Richmond, Sundial Square.