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, on Saturday 14th March.

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 outside Auckland Town Hall, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The entire family will be able to enjoy dancing, music, face-painting, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, amusement rides and a bouncy castle.

On March 17th to celebrate St Patrick’s Day a host of iconic Auckland landmarks will turn vibrant green 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 that Auckland is one of the first places in the world to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in 2020 and 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.