Winter carnival delights

Two evenings of perfect winter weather encouraged large crowds to attend last weekend’s Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, enjoying spectacular lantern displays and performances.

Held at First Church on Friday and Saturday night, the four sessions of the carnival attracted a sell-out crowd of 8000 people, from babies to seniors, to experience the theme of "A Rustle in the Night".

A popular attraction was an aerial performance, devised by Dunedin Midwinter Carnival performance co-ordinator/costumier Rochelle Brophy and mana whenua representative Doug Ditford (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Rabuvai Hoki).

The magical piece explored the world of native nocturnal creatures through aerial dance, storytelling and live taoka puoro performed by Xavier Johnson.

Dunedin Midwinter Carnival organisers were delighted by the community response and praised the 100-plus volunteers who made the event a success.

brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz