Future Worlds Light up Dunedin Midwinter

Dunedin’s Midwinter Carnival for 2016 was an unparalleled success on Saturday night, attracting the biggest crowd in its 19 year history.

Dunedin City Council staff estimated between 15,000 and 18,000 people attended the event, which also featured the largest number of participants yet.

The event included 14 giant lanterns, 150 performers, over 400 lanterns made by families, and over 1000 people in the Carnival Procession.

The theme this year was ‘Future Worlds’ which was brought to life by stunning giant lanterns and highly imaginative costumes worn by twelve separate performance groups.

Artistic director, Juliet Novena Sorrel, said she was very proud of the work of the Carnival Art Team and the many performance groups involved. 'They understood the theme and really made it their own, creating some very beautiful moments in the procession.'

'The work involved in creating dozens of costumes from scratch and highly intricate lantern sculptures is immense. Our hope now is that we can secure a decent work space for the Art Team and the work we have made.'

Due to the event’s growing popularity and increased audience attendance, organisers are investigating a new longer route for next year’s event. This will make it easier for the audience to view the procession. A Carnival Arts Workshop to store, display and work on future events has also been proposed.

'We have put a funding proposal to the Dunedin City Council and are hoping that the result will be positive. When you look at the video of Saturday's event, you couldn't get a better advertisement for Dunedin. It's a good investment for the city.'

Organisers are encouraging audience members to provide feedback on Saturday's event through an online survey. See www.midwintercarnival.co.nz for details.

ENDS

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