by Metropol | February 4, 2026 8:33 am
We’re talking Adele, Kate Bush, The Beatles – the open air concert we’ve known and loved as Mitre10 Sparks, returns for its 43rd year.
On 14 February, this dazzling entertainment extravaganza – featuring accomplished local performer Naomi Ferguson and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra – will delight a crowd of more than 20,000. “I love performing with orchestras, it’s pretty much my favourite thing to do in the world. There’s this sense of being carried, a bit like catching a wave when you’re surfing,” Naomi says.
Born here, Naomi grew up in Tauranga but calls Ōtautahi home after moving back to study at CPIT Jazz School in the nineties. She performs nationally, recently appearing with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra for ‘Simply the Best – A Celebration of the Greatest Pop Divas’. She’ll be joined by two other local talents on the night, Kate Taylor and Nic Kyle, who were also locally trained at Ara Music Arts and NASDA respectively.
With live music from 6.25pm, the main show at 7.30pm, and fireworks light up the sky at 9.30pm, Mitre10 Sparks provides an enthralling night of music filled with Valentine’s-themed favourites and more traditional pieces. Raising funds for charity partner Rānui House, the event represents an ideology Christchurch has become synonymous with: doing good while having fun.
Colourful, creative, crowd-pleasing – bring the family or your favourite person and celebrate love in the city.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/sparks-fly/
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