But a recent lighting display by the Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations Trust has made money - so much money, the trust now has a place to call home.
Trust chairman Paul Smith was delighted with the public's response to the Autumn Lights event during Easter Weekend, which resulted in more than $9000 being raised.
The money would be used to support a new home for the trust's lantern events, he said.
The Autumn Lights lantern installation and performance at the Dunedin Athenaeum, in the Octagon, was attended by about 7000 residents and people from out of town here for the Ed Sheeran concerts, he said.
"Response to the event was overwhelmingly positive.
"It was a fantastic showcase of Dunedin's artistic talent and provided a really unique experience for visitors."
He said the money would be used to support and develop the new premises the trust had leased in David St, South Dunedin.
It would be a base for the Midwinter Carnival art team as well as a storage facility for the lanterns, he said.
"This is a massive step for the trust and the first time we have paid for a warehouse facility.
"We have been incredibly lucky to have the support of a number of private landlords plus the Dunedin City Council over the last 10 to 15 years, to store our lanterns, but it was never sustainable and often in unsuitable buildings.
"This new facility gives us confidence to keep building our flagship event, the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, and brings us a step closer to our ultimate dream of a permanent display of our lantern collection."
This year's Dunedin Midwinter Carnival would be held on June 30, in the Octagon, he said.
