Melanie: Okay. So next up on this morning show, Dan Johnson's gonna tell us what's on in the city this weekend, Dan.
Dan: Well, thanks, Melanie. And there's certainly a great program of entertainment this weekend, something for everyone. So first, it's the Writers Festival again. And just like last year, the festival has attracted more than 250 writers from around the world. The writers will be talking about their latest books, and there's always an opportunity for audience members to ask the writers about their work. 1In the past, the festival has been based at the Victoria Theater, which wasn't really big enough. So this year they're going to be using a number of other venues as well. More information and tickets are available from the website.
Now, something I'm really looking forward to is Wearable Art on Saturday evening. This fashion shows always been held in the capital, so it's very exciting that it's coming to our city for the first time, and I've already got my ticket 2and they've just announced a 20% discount on all tickets to encourage a good turnout. Tickets can be bought online or at the door.
Something slightly different is Ocean Times that's on Sunday morning at Brides Beach. Now you might be thinking it's the wrong time of year to go to the beach for a swim or build sand castles with the kids. And you'd be right. But what's happening is there's going to be a number of large tents put up on the beach for workshops, displays and presentations. 3It's a chance for the whole family to learn about the science of the ocean and marine ecosystems and how to protect them. Sounds like a good way to spend your Sunday.
Now you may already have seen the advertising for the Artscape Exhibition. This is an outdoor exhibition of sculptures and installation art that officially opens this evening and you can go along whenever suits you over the weekend. It's being held up at the sanctuary reserve, and the idea is you wander wherever you want around the reserve, enjoying the artworks in a natural environment. 4I'd recommend you take a warm coat, though, because it can get quite windy up there.
Now the Civil Theater is open for tourists this weekend too. This is a great chance to go backstage at the city's largest theater and see all its secrets. 5This event is only held once a year, so these opportunities to tour the Civil aren't too frequent. I went last time and can tell you it's well worth it.
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Okay, so what I'll do now is just run through a few more events that are on over the weekend. So every Friday night, of course, is the Night Market - a great place to eat delicious street food from around the world. If you haven't been before, it's in the old Smith Street warehouse, just a short walk from central station. 6This is often really popular, so get there in good time to be sure you beat the rush.
There is also the Local Buskers festival on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. This is a chance for buskers and street performers from across the city to perform at an organized event. If you're interested in going along, please note 7it was going to be in King Square, but actually it's now going to be held down on the waterfront where there will be plenty of space for everyone.
Now, later this afternoon, it's Stand Up for Kids. This is a Stand Up comedy show aimed particularly at children aged from five to ten. This is being held in the Hall Swanson College at 04:00 p.m. Today. 8Just bear in mind that the roads around the college can get pretty congested at that time on a Friday, so allow plenty of time to get there. But it's bound to be a great show, and the hall at Swanson is huge, so you shouldn't find it hard to get a seat.
Then it's Sunday Unplugged on Sunday afternoon with a number of local bands playing at the old post office building in Mooringside. There is a great range of acts this week. Check online for details. Though it's the usual issue with the old post office venue, 9no parking at all in that part of the central city, and the train service is suspended on Sunday for repairs. So if you're taking the bus, leave early. And on Saturday evening, it's the Ignite Dance Finals. This is the final of the interschool dance competition, so I know there'll be a huge turnout. 10If you haven't already got your ticket, I do so without delay to avoid disappointment, it's being held in the Ridgeway Theater, same as last year. So there'll be a great atmosphere now, one other event that you absolutely cannot miss is.....
