Lanterns to burn bright again

The Auckland Lantern festival may still be a few months away but promoters are getting in early and encouraging people to pencil the dates in on their calendars. The festival has become a an extremely popular event over the years and up to 60,000 people are expected to take part in range of activities centred on Albert Park and inner-city streets. "It sits alongside Pasifika and Diwali festivals as a cornerstone event which celebrates the region's vibrant ethnic diversity," ATEED spokeswoman Jennah Wootten says. "This is the kind of successful annual event which contributes to Auckland's ambition to be the world's most livable city." Auckland Library, Auckland Art Gallery, Lorne St and Khartoum Place will also be key festival sites and Chinese red lanterns will form part of the central city display on Queen Street. Headlining the event is an international line-up from China that includes award-winning folk/rock band Omnipotent Youth Society from Hebei, and Beauty and Melody, a classical music ensemble from Sichuan. Visitors will be able to buy authentic crafts and taste food from more than 100 vendors. Go to aucklandnz.com/lanternfestival for more information. Last updated 08:48 28/11/2012 http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/reviews/entertainment/8007683/Lanterns-to-burn-bright-again