AK03: City dances to the lightning

Thousands of people enjoyed free Auckland Festival events in the city centre over the weekend.

Queues stretched hundreds of metres near Aotea Square to visit the inflated PVC art installation Luminarium: Architects of Air.

Downtown on Saturday night and last night sticky tape and fireworks awed those lucky enough to have tickets to the spectacular Sticky: AKO3 event at Britomart Place.

Yesterday afternoon hundreds of people turned out in Aotea Square to sample multicultural food and wares, but the main subject of conversation was the weather.

"Did you see the storm last night?" said one festival-goer referring to the early morning thunder and lightning show. "It makes you sick," said another woman, sheltering from a heavy shower. "You just can't plan anything in Auckland. It's just hopeless."

Festival director Simon Prast was more upbeat, having danced in Queen St on Saturday night under a clear sky.

"After day one I am over the moon. We had a splendid opening. The weather at first was a bit shonky, but it cleared beautifully. Auckland really turned out."

He said it was great to see the centre fill up and, as the evening progressed, people dancing in the street.

He spoke of "a relaxed family informality" and all of Auckland's cultures showing up.

"There's been quite a lot of anticipation. People have been ready to let their hair down a little bit and have some fun. I think we have broken the ice ... The festival is for the people of Auckland. It is all here waiting for you."

Herald Feature: Auckland Festival AK03

Auckland Festival website