A sell-out crowd of 3600 students were expected to descend on Hyde St to join Mr Manning and his neighbours for the street party, one of the main events on the social calendar of University of Otago students.
Revellers usually dress up for the occasion, with plenty of angels and devils, surf lifesavers, hip-hop stars, hippies and tennis stars lining up to get in.
Entry to the party closes at 1pm, with the event due to close at 6pm.
Police reported a busy day but only one arrest by 4pm, for fighting in a public place.
The emergency department at Dunedin Hospital was also in solid demand, with five patients from the party presenting at the hospital.
An army of volunteers were staffing free food and water stands, with police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and St John staff ready to deal with anyone who partied too heartily.