The "Frosty Night" winter fairytale theme of the 2012 longest night celebration was inspired by Central Otago's hoar frosts, artistic director Juliet Novena Sorrel said yesterday.
"There are so many great elements, like giant snowflakes, in the procession this year," she said as she directed stilt-walker snowflakes (from left) Izzie Locker (13), Juliette McMullan (15) and Tarn Neuman (16) in a dress rehearsal at First Church yesterday.
"Once they get into the costumes, the costumes really dictate the movements.
"You're trying to create movements that bring out the best in the costume."
The carnival procession would feature more than 80 performers and 35 giant lanterns, Ms Sorrel said.
"We also have professional performers from the Ake Ake Theatre Company appearing as the Witch Queen and Jack Frost in a New Zealand bush setting."
The 2012 Dunedin Midwinter Carnival starts at 5.30pm on Saturday in the Octagon.
