Auckland City Limits, Derby Day revellers enjoy early autumn sunshine

Fans enjoy the Auckland City Limits festival. Photo / Getty Images

Aucklanders had ample opportunity to enjoy the glorious weather during the first Saturday of autumn as several outdoor events were held around the city.

Punters and fashionistas soaked up the sun at the Ellerslie Racecourse for Vodafone Derby Day.

It was a particularly special occasion for 24-year-old dairy farmer Laura Campbell, who nabbed the coveted title of supreme winner at the event's Viva Prix de Fashion contest.

Laura Campbell wins the Viva Prix de Fashion contest. Photo / Greg Bowker

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, music lovers flocked to Western Springs for Auckland City Limits.

Jamaican-born singer Grace Jones' 7.45pm set at the Tamaki stage drew a huge crowd.

Earlier in the afternoon, fans enjoyed local acts Scribe & P-Money, Katchafire and te reo-speaking heavy metal band Alien Weaponry.

Nigel 'Booga' Beazley of HLAH performs at Auckland City Limits Music Festival. Photo / Getty Images

The Domain was lit up from 4pm for the Lantern Festival to mark the beginning of the Year of the Dog.

As well as observing the hundreds of handmade lanterns strung in the trees around the park as part of Chinese New Year celebrations, spectators could sample cuisine from the more than 100 stalls lining the pathways or watch performances by folk musician Lao Qiang, acrobats and puppeteers.