Claire Dwyer, of Cromwell, shows off her ‘‘jellyfish’’ hat at the Light Up Winter event in Cromwell last night. Photos: Pam Jones.
"We’re already hoping to hold it again — with all this great support why wouldn’t we?" co-organiser Brigitte Tait said.
Olivia Gare (3), of Alexandra, watches lanterns released into the sky.
About 1000 people filled the Cromwell Mall for the evening event, after which hundreds moved to the reserve beside the giant fruit sculpture to release illuminated lanterns into the night sky.
Stallholders at the event’s night market were busy and mall businesses packed as locals and visitors enjoyed live music and street entertainment in the mall. Many were wearing colourful hats entered in the "Light Up Your Hat" competition featured in the event.
Cromwell Promotions Board member Ferg Dardis said it had been "wonderful" to hold an event for the locals and next year’s event "can only be better".
