Irish festivities are set to paint Auckland green for the city’s iconic St Patrick’s Festival, with this year’s hugely popular Hugh Green Group St Patrick’s Parade returning to Queen Street from midday, Sunday March 17th.
The only festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, this year’s family-friendly festivities will include Irish inspired floats, traditional music and dancing, marching bands, leprechauns and St Patrick himself.
Celebrations will continue after the parade at the Irish Music and Dance Festival at Te Komititanga Square (near Commercial Bay/Britomart Station) for hours of family friendly fun from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The entire family will be able to enjoy dancing, music, face-painting, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, and more.
On March 17th, a host of iconic Auckland landmarks will turn vibrant green to help celebrate St Patrick’s Day, including Auckland’s Sky Tower and Eden Park. More than 300 landmarks around the globe will then follow Auckland in being lit in shamrock green.
Russell O’Brien from the St Patrick’s Festival Trust commented: “We're proud to bring Ireland closer to NZ in 2024 with Auckland being one of the first places in the world to celebrate St Patrick's Day! We are eagerly looking forward to returning to Queen Street for a fun, family-friendly event. Whether you're Irish or Irish for a day, you'll be warmly welcomed. Don't forget to wear green!"
The St Patrick's Festival would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors, The Hugh Green Group and Barfoot and Thompson.
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