WORD FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions not answered below then please contact us at ticketing@wordchristchurch.co.nz

Were any of the WORD Christchurch events recorded? 
Several of our events in The Piano were livestreamed and are available to watch on-demand until Sunday 27 September for ticket buyers. You can find a list of those events through the following link: https://wordchristchurch.co.nz/genres/livestream/.

You will be able to purchase tickets after the festival and view these sessions until Sunday 27 September. 

I’ve bought On-Demand tickets. How do I watch the videos?

Log in to your WORD Christchurch ticketing account on the right side of this page, and you’ll see a box which has your details, your sales history, and a link to your at-home viewing tickets. This link will take you to watch your chosen on-demand sessions.

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Do I need to buy tickets to attend the festival? 
WORD Christchurch offers a mix of ticketed and free events for everyone to enjoy. To find out whether you’ll need to book or buy a ticket, please check the individual session listings.

Free events do have limited space, so we recommend arriving early to grab a good spot. And for ticketed events — they can sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to book ahead to avoid missing out!

If you are wanting to purchase tickets for multiple events, we have a bundled discount of 20% when purchasing 5 or more tickets across the festival. 

How do I book tickets?
Tickets for our 2025 Festival are available now.

Tickets to all WORD Christchurch events are accessible via the events on our website – follow the links on the right-hand side of each page, or click here for a list of shows you can book through our own ticketing system.

Phone: 020 410 29927

What if I just want to buy tickets on the day?
If a session isn’t sold out, door sales will be available at each venue starting one hour before the event begins. These may be limited, so we recommend booking in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.

During the Festival, a friendly WORD team member will be on hand at The Piano from 10am each day to help with bookings or answer any questions.

If you have any questions or require additional support booking tickets then please contact us by email at ticketing@wordchristchurch.co.nz

Can I book in person?
During the Festival there will be a WORD Christchurch team member who can assist with bookings at The Piano from 10am daily.

Are there any free events at the festival?
Yes! We provide a range of free and Pay What You Can events across the festival, you can see all of these events listed on our website through the following link: https://wordchristchurch.co.nz/genres/free-entry/

What does General Admission (GA) mean? 
All of the WORD Christchurch events are General Admission seating, this means that there is no assigned seating at any of the events during the festival. This means that you are able to book separately but sit with your friends if you like!  If you do require support with your seating for any of the events over the festival then please contact us at ticketing@wordchristchurch.co.nz

I missed out on tickets. Can I join a waitlist?
Email us at ticketing@wordchristchurch.co.nz or call our Box Office line and we will be happy to add you to a waiting list for any sold out sessions.

Are WORD Christchurch events livestreamed? 
Several of our events in The Piano will be livestreamed and be available on-demand until Sunday 27 September. Each individual event listing will note if it is available as a livestream and recorded version. 

Are there door sales for events? 
Door sales will be available at each venue for all sessions not already sold out from one hour before the start time. Door sales may be strictly limited – we advise booking in advance of the festival to avoid disappointment. Door sales will be at the advertised ticket price plus service fees. Our box offices are cashless. 

Where can I view past WORD Christchurch programmes? 
You can view previous WORD Christchurch programmes on our website page: https://wordchristchurch.co.nz/past-festivals/

Where can I enquire about lost property? 
During the festival: enquire with our crew at the venue, and they will check to see if your property has been handed in.

After the festival: get in touch with the WORD Christchurch office on (03) 377 5313 or email admin@wordchristchurch.co.nz

How are tickets delivered? 
All bookings will receive their tickets via email. You can either print these tickets at home or download tickets to your mobile. 

If you did not receive your tickets, or have any other issues, then please contact us via email at ticketing@wordchirstchurch.co.nz

What provisions will be in place for people who need accessibility support? 
Mobility Access: All WORD Christchurch Festival indoor venues have step-free access. Please specify if possible when booking tickets if you have wheelchair or mobility requirements. 

TOILETS: The Piano, Little Andromeda, Christchurch Art Gallery and Tūranga all have accessible toilets and also access to gender-neutral toilets.

VISION: Guide Dogs are welcome at all Festival events and venues. Our sessions are all general admission. Please tell your usher if you would like to sit up front for better sight lines.

ALS (ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM) The Piano and the Christchurch Art Gallery both have an induction hearing loop system or FM radio system available.

If you have any additional accessibility requirements then please contact us at ticketing@wordchristchurch.co.nz or by phone at 020 410 29927

I’d love to help out. Can I volunteer at the festival?
Yes! Each year WORD Christchurch is supported by our volunteers, without whom the event would not be possible. Find our more about volunteering through the following link: https://wordchristchurch.co.nz/volunteers/

Will writers sign my books? 
Book signings by our writers will be at their discretion and will take place immediately after each event. You may bring your own copy, or buy one from UBS, our festival bookshop. 

Do I need to have read the books before I attend the sessions?
Everyone is welcome to attend WORD sessions, whether you’re a writer’s number one fan, or you’ve just come across them for the first time in our festival programme.  

Can I buy books at the Festival?
You sure can. Our friends at UBS – University Bookshop Canterbury will have pop-up stores at our three main venues (The Piano, Tūranga and The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū). You can also purchase books from WORD writers on their website.