Lanterns already hopping into view ahead of carnival

Dunedin Midwinter Carnival co-co-ordinator Xanthe Naylor (left) and Meridian Mall marketing manager Stacey Johnstone showcase the "March Hare" and other lanterns on display in the mall ahead of this year’s festival.

This year’s theme is "Creatures of the Deep", a celebration of the world of water and the creatures that live both above and below the surface.

Every year the Meridian Mall hosts a lantern installation, with those currently on display from last year’s "Enchanted Forest" themed festival.

Carnival marketing manager Jess Covell said it was really exciting that the festival was right around the corner.

"We’ve got a lot in store for everybody."

Attendees could expect new features such as a lantern parade and a sensory-friendly hour, she said.

The festival will run from June 21 to 22 in both the First Church grounds and in Moray Pl.