Enjoying the 29th annual Winter Ball as part of the Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival last night are (back, from left) Simon Wilson, of Dunedin, and Rowe Collings, Kaylene Gliddon and Lisa Butson, of Timaru, and (front from left) Rene Bignell, of Dunedin, and Christine Mold, of Timaru.
About 150 guests dressed in formal Victorian attire and enjoyed dancing in the Larnach Castle ballroom to live music. Sparkling wine flowed and tasty hors d'oeuvres kept the revellers' hunger pangs at bay through the evening.
A few regiments of Alf's Imperial Army mingled with diplomats, politicians, visitors and Dunedin residents. Party-goers posed for portraits and swapped tales about their gowns, tuxedos, kilts and elaborate headwear. The sold-out event concluded a week of chocolate carnival events.
''It's grown, changed and evolved over the years but essentially has always been a traditional Victorian ball,'' Larnach Castle function manager Michelle Simpson said. Many people travelled to Dunedin each year for the occasion, she said.
