Latest News
2012 Midwinter Carnival Dates Announced
The 2012 Dunedin Midwinter Carnival will be held on the evening of Saturday 23 June in the Octagon. This annual event will include the spectacular Carnival Procession which features dozens of giant lanterns, hundreds of hand-held lanterns, and scores of awesome performers.
Started in 1997 the event has grown and changed over the years, but at its heart is the celebration of the longest night and the season of winter in Dunedin. The organising trust are committed to developing a local celebration that celebrates our local climate and culture through a high quality arts experience.
Community participation is vital to the success of the event and fundamental to the organising trust's aims. We invite you to attend or to participate. In 2011 300 families made hand-held lanterns at our public lantern making workshops and 80 people volunteered to help make the event happen on the night. We also had dozens of performers, dancers, drummers and stilt performers.
Each year we create a new theme that encompasses the whole event, from the giant lanterns to the costumes. This keeps new idea and inspiration flowing into the event and adds to the audience's enjoyment. Ultimately we hope to create a magical and awe-inspiring experience for the people of Dunedin.
See you at the Midwinter Carnival !
Media enquiries:
We have a wide range of beautiful photos and some great stories to tell about the many artists involved. This community event is unique to Dunedin and our streetscape. The Carnival Procession features hundreds of people and winds around the Octagon forming a circle of light. In 2011 an estimated audience of 10,000 people attended the event. For more information please contact:
Paul Smith
Event Manager
Ph +64 3 477-3350
Email: info@midwintercarnival.co.nz