Carnival Procession to light up midwinter

Carnival Procession to light up midwinter.

Imagine a procession of 1000 people, around 120 performers, and a host of spectacular lanterns, and fireworks lighting up the longest night in Dunedin’s city centre.

The 2015 Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is set to light up the city sky from 5.30pm on Saturday June 20.

Every year since it began the event has grown in both the number of lanterns, performers, and musicians, as well as number of spectators, which was estimated at 10,000 last year.

This family-friendly event draws its heritage from the mid-winter solstice; a time of celebrating the longest night, and looking forward to the days getting longer toward spring and summer

There are a host of featured performers, including Tahu and the Takahes, Songbong Brazillian drummers, Koru Dance, Manawa Kapahaka, Otago Dance Association, Waitati Militia, Birds Eye View stilt walkers. The latter group includes giant gardeners and dragonflies, featuring school age children on 1 meter stilts.

Scores of volunteers and whanau have been making lanterns and costumes over the past two months, under the skilled direction of Artistic Director Juliet Novena Sorrel. Ms Sorrel says it’s almost time to set their creations free.

“We have more lantern costumes than ever. Our art team has come up with some fabulous and clever costumes this year, that are illuminated and have some moving parts. The one I can’t wait to see in the procession is a real Thumbelina inside a giant waterlily flower.”

All roads from Moray Place to the Octagon will be closed. Street lights will be out.

Entry to the event is by donation.

The event begins at 5:30pm with a winter market and music. The Carnival Procession starts at 6:00pm and is followed by fireworks at 6:30pm. The market and music continue until 7:30pm.

An announcement regarding the weather and the prospects of proceeding on the Saturday 20 June will be made on Radio Dunedin and the Breeze at midday on Saturday 20 June. Postponement day is Sunday 21 June.

For more images please visit www.midwintercarnival.co.nz/Gallery

ENDS

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