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ABOUT

Light up Winter

SATURDAY, 3 AUGUST 2024

4pm-8.30pm

EXCITING NEW LOCATION

Step into a whimsical woodland at this year’s Light Up Winter.

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Announcing an exciting new location, a cascade of lights transforms The Anderson Park Rose Garden into a realm of enchantment and wonder.

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Be mesmerized by illuminating fairies and street performers, revel in the joyous atmosphere with live music and captivating performances. Wander through the Street Food Alley brimming with a diverse range of delicious flavours to appease every palate.

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Sparkle up with face-painting, and hop on board Thomas The Tank Engine on the greenway express lane. Escape from the winter chill, and head to the Crystal Pavilion with local mulled wine or warming hot chocolate in hand, the perfect way to soak up the festive vibe of local performers stage-side.

 

Take in the creative spirit of the Light Up Your Hat competition, as the evening culminates with the ever magical mass lantern release.

 

Lanterns may only be purchased online while stocks last. No lantern sales will be available at the event on the day, scroll down and buy yours today.

 

With gold coin entry, join us in Cromwell, where the heart of winter beats with the warmth of community and the magic of light.

Be mesmerised by the sight of hundreds of lanterns silently drifting up into the night sky, where the heart of winter beats with the warmth of community and the magic of light. The spectacular lantern release is the finale event of the night and not to be missed. 

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Please note that a limited number of lanterns will be released on the night and available for purchase online only here, from Thursday 20th June. There will be no lantern sales on the day, therefore mark your calendars, and get in quick whilst stocks last.

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LIVE MUSIC

Adding to the vibrancy of this year’s event, the charming Fine Thyme Belles kick start the on-stage performances, followed by local youth acts 45 South, Mistep and ReSounding, to get you moving and grooving.

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ROVING PERFORMERS

Glowing fairies, towering stilt walkers and flame dancers will mesmerise the crowds whilst the roving magical clown guarantees to delight visitors of all ages.

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THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE

Little ones seeking an adventure, hop on board Thomas The Tank Engine on the greenway express lane.

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FACE PAINTING

Sparkle up the night and shine bright.

  • Is there an entry fee?
    Our gold coin collectors will be at entrances to collect your much appreciated gold coins.
  • How do I purchase a lantern?
    A limited number of lanterns will be released for purchase online only from Thursday 20th June by visiting us at www.lightupwinter.co.nz. There will be NO lantern sales on the day, therefore mark your calendars for Thursday 20th June and get in quick while stocks last. Lantern purchases may only be made online whilst stocks last and by agreeing to our Terms & Conditions.
  • What are the lantern purchase terms & conditions?
    *Purchase of lanterns is non-refundable. *Pick up of lanterns only on the day of the event at 7.10pm. *If the wind speed exceeds 15kph on the night, the lantern release component of the event will be postponed with a back up release event taking place on Sunday 4th August at 7.30pm. A call will be made prior to lantern collection. (Please note that this is a compliance requirement to ensure a safe and hazard free event). *Should rainfall occur, the lantern release component of the event will be postponed to Sunday 4th August at 7.30pm, with lantern collection on this day at 7.10pm. Should adverse weather conditions continue into Sunday 4th August; we unfortunately will not be releasing the lanterns in 2024. No refunds will be issued. No purchased lanterns will be distributed. (Please note that this is a compliance requirement to ensure a safe and hazard free event).
  • Will lanterns be available for purchase at the event?
    There will be no option to purchase lanterns at the event. A limited number of lanterns will be available for purchase strictly online only from Thursday 20th June by visiting www.lightupwinter.co.nz Due to a limited stock of lanterns available for purchase, avoid disappointment and purchase your lantern whilst stocks last. First in first served, so mark the calendars for Thursday 20th June and get in quick!
  • What is the price of a lantern?
    $10.00 (Ten New Zealand Dollars).
  • What are lanterns made of?
    Lanterns are flame resistant, environmentally friendly and contain no wires that may be harmful to wildlife. Please note that we will not allow any other lanterns to be released at the event.
  • Where do I collect my online purchased lantern?
    Lanterns will be ready for collection at the event on Saturday 4th August from 7.10pm by the lantern release zone, clearly demarcated on the Anderson Park grounds, with a strict time release at 7.30pm.
  • What time does the lantern release take place?
    7.30pm; or as otherwise announced by the event organisers.
  • Can I bring my dog?
    We ask that you leave your furry friends at home as they may be distressing to some of our younger visitors; or themselves become distressed by the activity.
  • No smoking, no vaping please.
    For the benefit of our tamariki, we ask that you do not smoke or vape within the event grounds.
  • Will there be food available?
    We will have a number of food vendors available on the night. Feel free to dine around the fountain; or if preferred you may want to bring picnic chairs & blankets and make the most of the grounds.
  • Where can I park?
    The Anderson Park Rose Garden is centrally located with a number of public carparks in close proximity to the event. This excludes the Anderson Park playground car park which will be closed to the public and incorporated into the event set-up. Please note that the venue has no steps with a number of pathways, making it accessible for all event users. In the lead up to the event, a map will become available on our website, to highlight the event layout for ease of navigation. Where possible, given the extensive greenways leading to the park grounds, we encourage families and friends to leave their wheels behind, and come on foot!
  • No BYO please.
    Light Up Winter is a family friendly event, and we would like everyone to be safe and happy. There will be mulled wine on sale to help bannish the winter chill.
  • Keep Cups
    To minimise our environmental impact, we will once again have Light Up Winter cups available for purchase at our mulled wine stall.
  • What should I wear?
    Dress to the conditions. Warm winter boots or shoes, and woollen layers would be our top tip! Light Up Winter branded beanies will be available for purchase, whilst stocks last.
  • How do I get involved?
    As an individual, you may wish to get involved by volunteering your time. For businesses, you may wish to enquire about sponsorship by emailing communications@cromwell.org.nz to find out more.
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