Details and tickets come from the organiser (auckland.gaycities.com). Check with them before you go. Facebook page ↗
The 2016 Auckland Pride Parade returns to Ponsonby Road on Saturday 20 February with a new twist – a change in direction, now going North to South. Again Pride is gearing up to stage the biggest parade, throw the best parties, and showcase a fine selection of literature, film and visual arts in a huge celebration of the LGBTIQ community. The theme for the 2016 Auckland Pride Parade is Stories, Myths & Legends, celebrating narratives and storytelling in all its forms, sharing contemporary experiences, tales, legends and historic milestones. The Pride Parade, which takes place on Ponsonby Road on Saturday 20 February 2016, is the liveliest, most colourful, uplifting and empowering spectacle of the festival. Newly appointed Auckland Pride Parade Producer, Nick Davion is originally from Brighton in the UK. He has a background in theatre and has worked in various roles in corporate and major events. “I understand the potential of the Pride Parade/Festival from my home town where an estimated 200,000 celebrated 25 years of Pride in 2015. Auckland Pride is still young, but has enormous potential and I am working to make sure it represents the whole community and is uniquely Auckland, says Davion.” Kicking off at a new time of 6pm, the parade takes place in the middle of a “Pride Day” with activities happening before the advance of the parade and a free gathering after the parade for all participants! In addition to the new time, this year, there is an exciting new change with the direction of the parade going from Three Lamps, making its way to the end point in Western Park. Heading North to South gives float participants a designated place to gather, experience and enjoy the party of the year from 7pm to 10pm in Western Park. This timing and swap allows floats who want to make the most of darkness time to shine bright in the green surrounds of Western Park.