On 23 February 2025, Festival Italiano returned to Newmarket with record-breaking crowds and vibrant energy. We spoke with Newmarket Business Association’s CEO, Mark Knoff-Thomas, about what makes the event a standout on Auckland’s cultural calendar, what was new this year, and why it’s a golden opportunity for businesses to get in front of thousands of curious, culture-loving festivalgoers.
Festival Italiano is a key event on Auckland’s cultural calendar. From your perspective, what makes it so successful?
It’s a huge celebration of Italian culture and has such wide appeal. You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy it – the food, the music, the atmosphere – it’s all incredibly inviting. It brings people of all ages and backgrounds together, and that sense of inclusivity is a big part of its success.
Were there any new elements introduced this year that you were particularly excited about?
Yes, we expanded the footprint of the festival this year, opening it up to more streets. That allowed for better pedestrian flow, more vendor space and a more relaxed experience overall. We also added extra seating areas, which meant people could stay longer, eat, relax and really enjoy the day. It made a big difference to the overall feel.
How do you approach vendor selection to ensure a high-quality experience for festival-goers?
We rely heavily on the expertise of our professional event management team. They’ve got the know-how and the networks to curate a strong mix of authentic, high-quality vendors.
Any standout moments from this year’s edition you’d like to share?
The sheer number of attendees – we estimate between 22,000 and 25,000 people came through. That turnout was remarkable. Seeing the streets packed, but still feeling like there was space to enjoy – that was a big achievement for the team.
What would you say to a business or organisation considering getting involved next year?
This is the largest Italian street festival in New Zealand. If your business is Italian-owned, offers Italian products or services, or simply wants to connect with a highly engaged audience, this is the event to be at!
