Fireworks lit up the sky and chocolate filled the tummies of hundreds of revellers who gathered to watch them at the opening of the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival in the Octagon on Saturday.
Brisk weather did not stop young and old alike from spilling into the Octagon from mid-afternoon to feast on chocolate and compete in a series of Sport Otago fun games including basketball, soccer and rowing for the carnival opening event.
Showing a mouthful of molten chocolate, Preston Wheeler said chocolate was "good''.
After his second chocolate bar, he said chocolate was "better than cabbage''.
His mother, Kelly Wheeler, praised the event for energising children through sugar and fitness.
"It has been quite exciting for the kids.
"Everyone has been active and chocolate is definitely a good motivator for that.''
Children competing in the games were rewarded for their efforts with photos on a podium and hugs from Cadbury characters.
As darkness set in, the trees were lit up in Cadbury purple and children piggy-backed by their parents craned their necks to watch the five-minute firework display.
Cadbury events manager Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana said the first night-time opening event had been a "huge success''.
"It has been fantastic to see so many people come and give the activities a go despite the cold.
"I think it shows how much support the carnival has from the Dunedin community.''
The event was the first of 60 chocolate-inspired events during the carnival which will finish with the jaffa race down Baldwin St on Friday, she said.
