media release - it's lantern festival time for auckland!
9 February 2006
One of Auckland City's signature cultural events kicks off tomorrow as the annual Auckland Lantern Festival comes to town for three days.
The event, brought to you by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with Auckland City, celebrates the colour and flavour of a Chinese New Year festival.
Last year, the event drew 140,000 people to Albert Park over the three days.
Attractions this year include the Jalan Besar Dragon and Lion Dance Group from Singapore, crafts people from Shanghai, as well as a multitude of food stalls selling authentic Chinese cuisine.
There will also be martial arts demonstrations, the judging of the lantern making competition for school children and a fireworks display at the close of the festival on Sunday, February 12.
The festival will be officially launched at 8pm on Friday, February 10, in front of an assembled group of guests and VIPs.
Increased emphasis on the Lantern Festival has seen the installation of lanterns on Queen Street and the provision of lunchtime entertainment during the week.
The festival now extends into Kitchener Street, and a range of complementary experiences are offered at Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland libraries, Auckland Art Gallery and the free Coexistence exhibition at Britomart which will be open to the public from Saturday.
One of Auckland City's signature cultural events kicks off tomorrow as the annual Auckland Lantern Festival comes to town for three days.
The event, brought to you by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with Auckland City, celebrates the colour and flavour of a Chinese New Year festival.
Last year, the event drew 140,000 people to Albert Park over the three days.
Attractions this year include the Jalan Besar Dragon and Lion Dance Group from Singapore, crafts people from Shanghai, as well as a multitude of food stalls selling authentic Chinese cuisine.
There will also be martial arts demonstrations, the judging of the lantern making competition for school children and a fireworks display at the close of the festival on Sunday, February 12.
The festival will be officially launched at 8pm on Friday, February 10, in front of an assembled group of guests and VIPs.
Increased emphasis on the Lantern Festival has seen the installation of lanterns on Queen Street and the provision of lunchtime entertainment during the week.
The festival now extends into Kitchener Street, and a range of complementary experiences are offered at Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland libraries, Auckland Art Gallery and the free Coexistence exhibition at Britomart which will be open to the public from Saturday.