Although thousands more than usual packed Dunedin’s centre for a mystical procession on Saturday night, organisers say everyone was able to catch a glimpse.
Elaborate lanterns seemed to glide through the darkness during the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival. Children clambered under legs and climbed trees to gaze as lantern-holders and fairytale-themed performers strutted down the streets.
Back after a two-year absence, fireworks illuminated the sky from behind the Municipal Chambers.Event manager Keir Russell said it was conservatively estimated 30,000 saw the event, up 8000-10,000 on previous years.
"It’s absolutely the biggest we’ve ever had, no question about it. We wanted to grow, but we even shocked ourselves."
Because the route expanded beyond the Octagon this year to start at the First Church and proceed up Stuart St, everyone was able to get a view, he said.
He put the larger crowd down to the bigger team, media engagement and the return of the fireworks.
"We’re super happy with how they went. Longer, bigger, better."
Fireworks in the Octagon were put on hold after a New Year’s Eve incident on January 1, 2017, in which a Dunedin man was seriously injured when he was struck in the right eye by what was believed to be burning fireworks fragments.
The fairytale theme worked especially well this year, he said.
"I loved it. It played really nicely, especially with the performers. We hope to play more with the theme in the future."
This year involved "relearning" with the new route, but next year the team could take advantage of that, he said.
The event had been held in its current form for about 11 years, although there had been a similar event held from 2001, he said.
