A public civic memorial service will be held this Saturday to mark the 14th anniversary of the February 22, 2011, Christchurch earthquake.

The ceremony will take place at Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, on the banks of the Avon River at the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Montreal Street.

A minute of silence will be observed at 12.51pm, and the names of the 185 people who died in the earthquake will be read aloud.
The HMNZS Canterbury bell will toll for each name.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger will lay a wreath at the Memorial Wall on behalf of the city.

The wider community will be invited to lay floral tributes after the ceremony concludes around 1.15pm.

Christchurch City Council Manager Office of the Mayor and Civic Services Duncan Sandeman said the service was an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on the impact of the earthquakes, and remember those who lost their lives.

Road closures will be in place across the central city with other large-scale events happening at the same time. Sandeman said residents should plan ahead as crowds are expected.

The 2025 Navy Charter Parade will take place on Saturday afternoon, with sections of road around Latimer Square closed between 1pm and 3pm as the crew from HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Pegasus exercise their Freedom of the City.

Electric Avenue music festival is also scheduled for Friday and Saturday in North Hagley Park, with large crowds expected.

The Hagley Park carpark and much of the surrounding on-street parking will be closed during the festival, which runs from 2pm to 10.30pm on Friday and 1.30pm to 11.15pm on Saturday.

Gates will open at 1.30pm on Saturday, with the event finishing at 9pm.

Sandeman advised those attending the memorial service or visiting the city over the weekend to expect possible delays.