Massive Midwinter Carnival crowd on milder night

A giant lantern in the shape of a ship. Photos: Stephen Jaquiery/Christine O'Connor
A giant lantern in the shape of a ship. Photos: Stephen Jaquiery/Christine O'Connor
A school of silvery squid wait to join the Midwinter Carnival parade.
A school of silvery squid wait to join the Midwinter Carnival parade.
A pair of sea lions enjoy pride of place in the parade.
A pair of sea lions enjoy pride of place in the parade.
Ballerinas strike a radiant pose.
Ballerinas strike a radiant pose.
Brian Horsnell plays his part as the Mosgiel Brass Band entertains.
Brian Horsnell plays his part as the Mosgiel Brass Band entertains.
Margot Latton (10) of Dunedin, leads a procession through the Octagon during the Midwinter...
Margot Latton (10) of Dunedin, leads a procession through the Octagon during the Midwinter carnival.
Greta Doo waits to serve mulled wine to thirsty onlookers.
Greta Doo waits to serve mulled wine to thirsty onlookers.

By turning central Dunedin into a luminous wonderland and drawing crowds in the tens of thousands, the Midwinter Carnival has established itself as one of the city's signature events.

Hundreds of glowing lanterns floated into the Octagon on Saturday night as a parade of performers celebrated Antarctic wildlife and wonders.

Carnival trust chairman Paul Smith said the Dunedin City Council estimated a 5000-person increase on last year's numbers, which brought the total to about 30,000.

"It certainly was the biggest we've had. It really has grown into quite a large event for Dunedin."

A more mild night than usual helped to attract the big crowd, he said.

"But I think we've also built a really loyal following over the years.

"People do look forward to it."

Organisers were pleased with the smoothness of the procession.

It was the second year of the longer route in which the parade started at First Church before making its way into the Octagon.

"Last year, we had a few teething problems getting the pacing right. The feedback from the public this year has been fantastic."

Organisers also tried new things such as more decorations, projections and adding stops to the procession, Mr Smith said.

"That gave performers something new to add to their routine. It gives people the chance to have a really good look at things."

It was a "massive effort" trying to clear the Octagon to safely launch fireworks at the end but it was worth it, he said.

Despite the success of the carnival, it was a "huge amount of work and a constant battle financially to keep the event afloat".

"We receive a lot of support from various funders and generous artists, but decisions need to be made about how to make it financially viable if it's going to continue into the future."

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