Auckland Lantern Festival cancelled for third year in a row

Tuesday, 25 January 2022

Auckland Lantern Festival has been cancelled for the third year in a row because of Covid-19.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year, it’s the latest event to be scrapped after the Government announced a nationwide move to the red traffic light setting, after the highly-contagious Omicron variant was detected in the community.

Scheduled for February 10-13 at the Auckland Showgrounds, the event has been called off by Auckland Unlimited.

Mayor Phil Goff said he was disappointed to make the decision for a third time.

**READ MORE:

* Auckland Lantern Festival returns after two-year Covid hiatus

* Lantern Festival moved to Auckland Showgrounds after two years of cancellations

* Covid-19: Auckland Lantern Festival postponed to March

**

“However, the safety of our communities has to come first, and given that the Omicron variant is now circulating in Auckland, cancelling the Lantern Festival at this time is the right and responsible decision,” Goff said.

Auckland Unlimited's Richard Clarke said the cancellation of the festival was a “major blow”.

“Our festival staff, performers, stallholders, sponsors and everyone involved in the planning were buzzing at bringing back the festival after a two-year absence,” Clarke said.

“Their work, dedication and passion for the event have been monumental, and I would like to acknowledge them all.”

Unable to be held under the red light of the Covid-19 Protection Framework, an Auckland Lantern Festival digital programme will be made available from February 1.

The online programme will include Chinese craft and cooking videos, galleries, playlists and performances.

The event was last held in 2019 at the Auckland Domain.