The 2023 Auckland Lantern Festival has been cancelled in the wake of the city’s ongoing severe weather event.
The festival was due to take place from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 February at the Manukau Sports Bowl.
It is the fourth time the event has been cancelled – with the earlier cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We acknowledge the disappointment that Aucklanders will be feeling. Special cultural occasions are the fabric of our region, and we are all gutted that we won’t be able to celebrate this iconic festival for a fourth year in a row,” said Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Head of Major Events, Chris Simpson.
“The decision to cancel the event was not an easy one and was made in consultation with local authorities and with the support of community leaders.
“The decision-making considered a range of factors, including the safety of staff, stallholders, performers, volunteers and patrons, transport options, advice from civil defence, the long-range forecast, and the condition of the grounds to determine if we could deliver a successful event.”
