Thousands of people have braved bad weather in Christchurch to attend the first day of the Ellerslie International Flower Show.
It is the first time Christchurch has hosted the five-day event after buying the rights two years ago.
Event manager Dave Mee says cold showers and a strong southerly wind have not stopped people from enjoying themselves.
Mr Mee says between between 15,000 and 20,000 people visited the first day of the show on Wednesday.
