The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is one of the most spectacular and accessible community events held in Dunedin. Last year due to COVID-19 the festival was cancelled, however the festival is back this year on Saturday 26 June 2021 and the theme has been set as "A Moonlit Garden".

Midwinter Carnival Trust chairman Paul Smith said the city could expect to see a "gigantic" magical light-filled night garden sprout in central Dunedin this year.

Four lantern-making workshops will be held at Mitre 10 Mega Dunedin before the event. Workshop bookings are now open and you can make you booking via the Midwinter Carnival website.

Click HERE to see what workshop bookings are still available. 

The public are invited to make a lantern at one of the workshops and then carry it in the Carnival Procession. Our Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Mel has already booked in for the Star Lanterns - so watch this space!

It takes 1-2 hours to make a lantern and all materials and instructions are provided on site. Children under 12 are required to have a parent in attendance.

Otago Community Trust has for many years supported the Midwinter Carnival Trust and are always delighted to see the hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns, giant lantern sculptures, costumed stilt walkers, dancers and musicians, parading through the Octagon and central city.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

The Midwinter Carnival Trust are looking for some hardworking, creative volunteers to help out the Midwinter Carnival by creating some amazing, inspired lanterns. 

Training workshops will be given every volunteer providing some insight into the process, which will then be followed by 4 workshops where larger lanterns will be created. 

This is a great opportunity to be involved in one of the biggest, brightest, and most creative festivals on the Dunedin calendar!

If you’re interested and the dates below work for you, email  Volunteer Coordinator Leighton Jones at volunteer.midwinter@gmail.com

Training Workshop at Carnival Warehouse (68 David Street, Caversham): 22-23 May 2021.

• Star Lantern Workshop at Mitre 10 MEGA: 29-30 May
• Daisy Lantern Workshop at the Otago Museum: 5-6 June
• Mouse Lantern Workshop at the Meridian Mall: 12-13 June
• Snail Lantern at Mitre 10 Mega: 19-20 June