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Otago Daily Times

World of wonder, winter fun

In a chilly workshop space in North East Valley, a world of fantastical winged beasts is taking shape, amid final preparations for next weekend's Dunedin Midwinter Carnival. The giant community event celebrating the longest nights of winter will be held next Friday and Saturday evening, June 27 and 28, transforming First Church and its grounds into a winter wonderland. Working hard to bring this year's carnival theme, "Wings of Wonder" to life is a dedicated team of lantern-making artists, led by Filipa Crofsky, who are putting the finished touches on new giant lanterns depicting Aotearoa's native birds, butterflies, soaring mythical creatures, flying spacecraft and even a hot air balloon. "The theme's focus on flight has allowed us to really use our imaginations in building some spectacular lanterns, which are going to look great in the First Church grounds," Ms Crofsky said. "We are also turning the inside of the church into a butterfly house, filled with butterfly lanterns, which we think people will enjoy." Now in its fourth year at First Church, after changing its format from the giant one-off lantern parades around the Octagon before the Covid pandemic hit, the new-look Dunedin Midwinter Carnival continues to develop in imaginative ways. This year, the event will also include a "fairy zone" containing 42 fairy houses. "We think this will be a fun area for the children to explore," Ms Crofsky said. Putting it all together is a huge task for a relatively small team of volunteers, who worked hard with limited resources to create the many lanterns, as well as running community workshops. "We have reached panic time now, when we need to get the last lanterns finished, and then get everything set up at First Church next week," Ms Crofsky said. Meanwhile, costume creator and performance co-ordinator Rochelle Brophy is also hard at work helping to bring the wonderland to life. "We will have costumed performers roving through the crowds throughout both evenings, as well as featured roles such as the Owl Queen in her chariot pulled by owls," Ms Brophy said. There will also be dance and music performances by local groups inside Burns Hall, live music stages outside in the grounds, and Brophy Aerials performers frolicking high in the trees. Local musicians Josh Botz (piano) and a dancer, and singer-songwriter Becca Caffyn will be on-hand to entertain the crowds, and the evenings will end with a main-stage performance by Tahu & The Takahes. "We will also have a spectacular aeroplane flying around the crowd, alien contortionists and an astronaut at the top of a tree — it's going to be amazing." The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival team was also working with third-year design students from Otago Polytechnic's College of Art, Design and Architecture, who had created extraordinary images to be projected on to the outside of the church, as well as some new interactive installations. Principal lecturer Denise Narciso said the students were "thrilled to once again partner with the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival — our second collaboration, and this time, it's bigger and better than ever". Local families who have taken part in lantern-making workshops will be able to showcase their work in lantern processions, which will wind through the church ground on both evenings. There will also be a selection of food trucks on site, as well as mulled wine and fire pits. Event Information: The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival When: Friday and Saturday, June 27-28 Where: First Church Times: There are three session times each night 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. There will also be a sensory session for those susceptible to crowds, loud music, flashing lights, or who have accessibility needs, from 4pm on Saturday, June 28. Cost: $5 for children (under 3 years free), $10 for adults or $25 for a family pass (2 adults, 2 children). Pre-purchasing tickets will ensure entry at your desired time, via The carnival is once again offering its pay-it-forward initiative, and is partnering with charity organisations in order to distribute tickets to the community.