The Aotea Daikin Light Up Winter returns on Saturday to brighten people’s spirits and winter’s night sky.
The annual midwinter celebration started in 2017 as a way to bring people together during the colder months.
Six years on it has become a staple in the Cromwell calendar, attracting thousands of people from throughout Central Otago and further afield.
This year the event will be back at the Cromwell Mall after being held at the Big Fruit Reserve last year.
It has also been moved to a later date than usual as a way to avoid the coldest of the winter weather.
The free family-focused event will feature entertainment by local artists and street performers.
Free children’s workshops will be available.
The Light Up Your Hat parade and competition will also feature as well as street food from the night market.
At 7.30pm the highlight and grand finale will be a mass lantern release in which thousands of lanterns will light up the sky.
The lanterns, which can be booked on the Cromwell Promotions website before the event, are flame-resistant, completely biodegradable and free from wires that could harm wildlife.
Light Up Winter runs from 4pm-8pm.
