The colorful BNZ Auckland Lantern Competition returns to the Manukau Sports activities Bowl from this night, February 26, to March 1, marking the conclusion of Chinese language New 12 months celebrations and welcoming the 12 months of the Horse.
As New Zealand’s largest cultural pageant, the free, family-friendly occasion takes place throughout 4 evenings and options lantern shows, dwell performances, meals and fireworks.
It’s supported by Auckland Council Occasions. This yr’s pageant options greater than 500 handmade lanterns, together with the brand new 12 months of the Horse lantern, and a brand new Kiwiana lantern celebrating iconic components of New Zealand.
Throughout the 4 evenings, festivalgoers can get pleasure from mainstage performances showcasing a mixture of conventional cultural and modern acts, together with actions and giveaways on the BNZ Basketball Court docket.
A variety of flavours will likely be on provide, with 50 meals stalls and 20 retail stalls promoting meals, items and merchandise from throughout Asia.
The pageant is open every day from 4pm-10.30pm and the ultimate three nights end with a spectacular fireworks show at 9.50pm.
Tātaki Auckland Limitless director of vacation spot, Annie Dundas, says the pageant is a crucial a part of Auckland’s Chinese language New 12 months celebrations and a standout occasion on the area’s summer time calendar.
“Annually, the pageant brings communities collectively to rejoice tradition, creativity and shared experiences.
“With tickets now accessible, we’re encouraging individuals to plan forward and safe tickets to allow them to get pleasure from the whole lot the four-day occasion has to supply.”
BNZ government private and enterprise banking, Anna Flower, says: “The pageant presents memorable experiences for individuals of all ages.
“From exploring the lanterns to having fun with performances and meals, the BNZ Auckland Lantern Competition provides individuals the prospect to be a part of one thing particular.
“We’re proud to help an occasion that’s free, welcoming and accessible for households and communities throughout the area.”
Earlier than individuals arrive, take a look at www.aucklandnz.com/lantern for pageant tickets, maps, efficiency areas and schedules, and the newest occasion info.
Entry is free however tickets are required. Guests want a ticket without spending a dime entry and free public transport.
With no public parking accessible on the venue and street closures in place, utilizing the pageant’s built-in transport with Auckland Transport (AT) is the best strategy to get there.
Competition tickets embody free journey on AT buses and trains, legitimate from two hours earlier than the pageant opens till the top of normal every day providers.
Free occasion buses will run continuously between Manukau Practice Station, Westfield Manukau and Manukau Sports activities Bowl, with pick-up and drop-off at Gate C (Sandrine Avenue).
Guests who need to cycle to the occasion can use the bike racks on-site. AT’s strolling and biking paths may help you propose your journey. Free parking is out there at Westfield Manukau throughout pageant hours, with entry to the free occasion bus or a brief stroll to the venue.
Paid parking is out there at Kia Aroha Faculty, Othello Drive. The pageant is smoke-free and alcohol-free. For security causes, pets should not permitted, apart from service canines.
Most stallholders settle for EFTPOS, however money could also be useful for some. A cash-out trailer will likely be accessible on web site.
Competition-goers can even pay utilizing Payap, BNZ’s new QR code cost app, at collaborating stalls.
Individuals who go to payap.com and obtain the app will obtain $8.88 Lantern Money to spend with Payap through the pageant. Payap is free to obtain and works throughout New Zealand banks. To assert your Lantern Money or to search out out extra head to payap.com right this moment.
As a part of the BNZ Auckland Lantern Competition, Vector Lights returns to the Auckland Harbour Bridge to rejoice the 12 months of the Horse with a lightweight and sound present.
It’s the results of a partnership between Vector, Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Company. The present runs from February 23 to March 1, from 8.30pm till midnight, enjoying each quarter-hour.
Fashionable viewing spots embody Little Shoal Bay, Bayswater Marina and Westhaven Marina.
Viewers can even pay attention dwell or watch a livestream recording at vector.co.nz/lights. As a part of wider Lunar New 12 months celebrations in Auckland, a free metropolis centre programme of lighting installations, performances and cultural experiences is happening from February 17.
