Hundreds of people gathered in Hornby today for the Hello Hornby Day Out, a free community event that brought locals together under perfect Autumn skies.

Wigram MP Megan Woods said the atmosphere was exactly what people had been waiting for. “I think this is the summer we’ve all been waiting for,” she said. “It’s fantastic. There’s a marvellous crowd out here.”

The event attracted people from across the wider Hornby area, which included parts of Wigram, Hei Hei, and South Hornby Hornby Councillor Mark Peters said. “The turnout reflected the area’s size and strong sense of community.”

Woods said the event showcased the diversity of Hornby and the many active organisations that help bring people together. “What we’re seeing here today just shows the diversity of Hornby, just the number of active organisations and the way in which Hornby people turn up.”

Former Community Board member Mike Mora, who served for 30 years, reflected on his long connection to the area. “I moved to Hornby when I was in my 20s, and I’ve been here ever since. And it’s been a pleasure and a lovely part of Christchurch.”

Ali Loffhagan, who’s served as a volunteer officer for Hornby Community Patrol for 27 years, said the day was filled with energy and joy. “All you can hear is laughter, and on the stage, you’ve got the schools doing performances. There are so many different people coming from far and wide to be here.”