Time for fun - city events draw crowds

Kiwi Norsemen Franush Bloodaxe, Frank Kirkham, left, and Griff prepare the meat at the Howick Military Tattoo.

Gay pride, a military tattoo and Japan Day liven up weekend.

It was a weekend of celebration as thousands of Aucklanders went to events all over the city.

Spectators and supporters lined the length of Ponsonby Rd to watch the Pride Parade on Saturday night. More than 40 floats and groups partied their way from Karangahape Rd to Victoria Park, where the Proud after-party carried on into the night.

Many groups took part in the parade, including the police, Auckland Roller Derby League, the Green Party, the Israeli Embassy, the NZ Aids Foundation and the Gay Wakeboarding Association, whose float included a jetboat packed with members dancing from ski ropes.

More than 40 floats and groups partied down Ponsonby Rd in the Pride Parade. Photo / Getty Images

Yesterday, about 10,000 people attended the annual Howick Military Tattoo at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.

The day included military re-enactments, Scottish dancers, strongman events, highland games and food stalls.

The event was officially opened by Olympic runner and Auckland councillor Sir John Walker.

Also yesterday, members of the Japanese community came together to celebrate Japan Day at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane.

The free public event was organised by the Japanese Society of Auckland and the Japanese consulate, and included cultural displays, performances and food stalls.

Japanese Aucklanders gather to celebrate Japan Day. Photo / Dean Purcell