Photo by Craig Baxter.
"People are welcome to pop in and have a look and say 'Hi'," Ms Blackburn said.
More than a dozen lanterns from previous festivals, including giant moths and stars, will rise again at this year's annual winter celebration.
The lanterns represent returning light, creativity and community and are the highlight of the festival procession, which includes stilt-walking creatures, street performers and fireworks.
The 2012 Dunedin Midwinter Carnival starts at 5.30pm on Saturday, June 23, in the Octagon.
