Winter's bite and an All Blacks test did not deter the crowds for Light Up Winter in Cromwell.
Between 4000 and 5000 people attended the annual event, with many travelling to Cromwell from throughout the region.
The event had adapted from its previous two-day format to a week long, moving out of the Cromwell Mall to the Big Fruit Reserve, with the main activities taking place on Saturday night.
This year the introduction of an ice skating rink was a popular addition, with a children’s ice disco held on Friday night and skating continuing through to Thursday.
Local musicians Mischa Thomlinson, the Fine Thyme Belles and L.A Social entertained on the big stage, with face painting, market stalls and food trucks helping to set the scene.
The Light Up Your Hat contest inspired a range of wearable creations adorning heads, from Medusa through to the Lake Dunstan Cycling and Walking Trail, skifields, as well as an array of animals.
Rounding off the event was the lantern release which involved more than 800 lanterns being released into the night sky — however wind tested the skills of some to ensure lanterns did not go sideways in to the crowd.
Cromwell and Districts Promotions Group community relationships manager Kelly Cruickshank-Giles said the lanterns were always a highlight.
"It’s just something magical, no matter how many years you see it, it’s still quite magical to see them up there."
In its’s sixth year, Light Up Winter was a way to connect people during the winter months, Mrs Cruickshank-Giles said.
"We’re just trying to get people out of their houses in the middle of winter, and get the community together."
Community involvement was key to the event’s success, with schools, community groups and businesses coming on board to run stalls, volunteer and take part in activities, she said.
"I had to compete with the All Blacks versus Ireland [match In Dunedin], so I’m really stoked at how many people turned up."