Auckland City Council Media release

20 August 2008

Celebrate Auckland Heritage Festival 2008

Auckland Heritage Festival 2008 will involve more than 100 exciting, diverse and interactive events between 20 September and 5 October.

Auckland City Council proudly provides the festival to encourage people of all ages to celebrate, embrace and learn about Auckland city's unique natural, social and built heritage.

Popular events from previous years return in 2008, such as the Heritage Auckland High Teas, Night at The Civic, and Orakei Marae open day.

There are many new events, including a heritage pub tour and Auckland Zoo heritage trail, and dozens of guided tours and activities around the isthmus and gulf islands.

Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle, says that with such a wide, varied programme that coincides with part of the school holidays, the festival programme provides an opportunity for people of all ages to get involved.

"There really is no other festival that offers such a rich, diverse array of events," says Mr Moyle. "From volcanoes and islands to machines, animals, people and buildings - the stories of Auckland will amaze and astound locals and visitors alike."

Festivities kick off with a special free opening event on the anniversary of Auckland's founding day, Thursday, 18 September, featuring heritage images of Auckland projected onto the northern facade of the Auckland Museum.

This unique spectacle is a fantastic opportunity to relive our shared history with friends and family.

The Auckland Heritage Festival runs from 20 September to 5 October and is just one of more than 60 free events Auckland City Council produces each year.

A full festival programme is now available. Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/heritagefestival or phone 379 2020 to order a copy.

ENDS

© Scoop Media