The 2012 Dunedin Midwinter Carnival
Saturday 23rd of June, 5.30pm in the Octagon.
On the longest night of the year, the lights will be dimmed in the heart of Dunedin city for a magical procession of giant lanterns and spectacular performers. The iconic Dunedin Midwinter Carnival returns in 2012 with ‘A Frosty Night', New Zealand’s very own winter fairytale.
The Octagon’s Victorian streetscape will be brought to life, with fireworks, stilt walkers, musicians and dancers, who will orbit the Octagon, joined by hundreds of hand-made lanterns carried by local children. Juliet Novena Sorrel, the carnival’s Artistic Director describes this year’s event as an "evocative and magical evening" for all to enjoy.
This event is run by a non-profit organisation called the Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations Trust and a huge number of volunteers. If you'd like to be involved or to attend one of our workshops then please sign up to our newsletter below, or like us on our Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest news.
The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is produced by Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations, a registered charitable trust based in Dunedin. We are a small bunch of people who believe it is important to celebrate our distinct seasons in a way that is appropriate to our local environment and the southern hemisphere.
Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations works to support the employment of talented local artists and greater participation in the arts by the wider community. We are committed to achieving the highest artistic standards and constantly improving the Midwinter Carnival event.
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.
The Octagon’s Victorian streetscape will be brought to life, with fireworks, stilt walkers, musicians and dancers, who will orbit the Octagon, joined by hundreds of hand-made lanterns carried by local children. Juliet Novena Sorrel, the carnival’s Artistic Director describes this year’s event as an "evocative and magical evening" for all to enjoy.
This event is run by a non-profit organisation called the Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations Trust and a huge number of volunteers. If you'd like to be involved or to attend one of our workshops then please sign up to our newsletter below, or like us on our Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest news.
The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is produced by Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations, a registered charitable trust based in Dunedin. We are a small bunch of people who believe it is important to celebrate our distinct seasons in a way that is appropriate to our local environment and the southern hemisphere.
Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations works to support the employment of talented local artists and greater participation in the arts by the wider community. We are committed to achieving the highest artistic standards and constantly improving the Midwinter Carnival event.
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.
