St Patrick's Day celebrations underway in Auckland

Irish migrants and Kiwis alike are painting the town green as St Patrick's Day celebrations get underway in Auckland.

Musicians and dancers performing alongside a huge inflatable leprechaun were among the more than 60 floats and acts that were part of the annual parade marking Ireland's national day, which kicked off at midday on Ponsonby Rd.

A float at today's St Patrick's Day parade in Ponsonby. Photo / Nick Reed

And a craic has begun at nearby Western Park with food trucks and a licenced bar operating for the Irish Music and Dance Festival.

The family-friendly event is on until 6pm and features performances from Sean Kelly and the Celtic Flyer, the Connolly School of Irish Dance and the Doyle Academy of Irish Dance, as well as face painting, crafts and a bouncy castle.

Major landmarks - including the Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower and Auckland War Memorial Museum are set to light up green at 8pm.

The festivities continue tomorrow with the Irish Fair Day at the Auckland Irish Society's clubrooms at Rocky Nook Ave, Mt Albert where there will be more music, dancing, food and drink between 11am and 5pm.

A young girl proudly raises the Irish flag at Ponsonby today. Photo / Nick Reed