Music festival Auckland City Limits made a welcome return to Auckland at Western Springs on Saturday 3rd March and was an instant classic according to fans, media, the promoter and even the security team.
 
More than 20,000 fans joined in the fun, the largest crowd at Western Springs since last summer’s Guns ‘n’ Roses concert.
 
According to the New Zealand Herald, the event returned “with a vengeance” taking over Western Springs with a massive line-up, amazing food and a great atmosphere.
 
Headlined by iconic pop heroine Grace Jones and Beck, the festival showcased Western Springs at its finest, says Paul Nisbet, Director of Auckland Stadiums.
 
“Western Springs is a fantastic music venue and the festival format really showcased its unique setting. We would love to see more concerts and festivals at the venue.
 
Auckland City Limited Promoter Campbell Smith said “I think of Western Springs as one of the headliners of Auckland City Limits. Of the same importance to our event and its success as a Grace Jones or a Beck. It is a central city, predominantly grassed, shaded, easily navigated site, that is also steeped with an iconic musical heritage. I would not want to produce Auckland City Limits in any other venue”. 
 
Even security became part of the show when Grace Jones took a piggyback on one of the Red Badge security team in front of the main stage.
 
Red Badge Group managing director Gary Wilton told the Herald: "Our staff love concerts, loved ACL and this was just a very nice touch from a superstar performer to a humble member of our team, who incidentally wasn't even born when Grace was originally performing that song."