The theme for this year's Midwinter Carnival was "Creatures of the Sea" with giant sea horses, sea shells and fish of all shapes, sizes and colours featuring in a spectacular Lantern Procession around the Octagon in the heart of Dunedin city this evening.
Thousands of people lined the Octagon to watch the the procession that featured over 300 hand made lanterns, 15 giant lanterns as well as costumed dancers, stilt walkers and musicians. At the conclusion of the lantern procession the dark winter skies were set alight with a fireworks display from atop the Forsyth Barr building..
Scroll down for more photos from the carnival....
The crowds build in the Octagon and enjoy hot drinks and food as well as entertainment from local musicians and street performers.
The procession starts as the first performers emerge out of a brightly coloured mist in lower Stuart Street the make their way around the Octagon.
Performers and lantern holders of all ages continue their procession around the Octagon. A fireworks display off the top of the Forsyth Barr building concluded the night's entertainment.
