More Than a Sponsor: The People Power Behind Light Up Winter
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
When people think about Light Up Winter, they often picture the glowing lanterns, smiling faces, and magical atmosphere that fills Cromwell each year.
What many don’t see is the incredible community effort that happens behind the scenes to bring the event to life.
For the past several years, Aotea Electric Cromwell and Daikin NZ have been proud supporters of Light Up Winter. Their contribution goes far beyond sponsorship. At the heart of that support is Dale Bradly, Service Manager based in Cromwell, whose commitment to the event reflects the very spirit of community that Light Up Winter celebrates.
Dale is one of those people who doesn’t simply lend his name or company logo to an event. In the weeks leading up to Light Up Winter, he can often be found helping with preparations, pitching in wherever needed, and tackling the countless practical jobs that come with delivering a large community event.
On event day, while thousands enjoy the festivities, Dale is often working behind the scenes to help ensure everything runs smoothly. And when the crowds head home, he is still there helping with pack-down and the less glamorous tasks that come after the celebrations end.
When asked why he continues to support Light Up Winter, Dale says it comes down to community.
“The local community supports the business that I work in, so this is one way that I and that business can support the community in return.”
For Dale, being involved is about more than just sponsorship. It’s about being part of something bigger.
“I’ve always enjoyed just being part of the machinery that makes things happen. I’m a drummer in a band at the back of the stage, not the lead singer. I like seeing people enjoying themselves, the crowd gathered with smiles on their faces, and taking pleasure from being just a small part of the greater effort by many people that make things like this happen.”
As Light Up Winter marks its tenth year, we want to acknowledge the people whose contributions often go unseen. Businesses like Aotea Electric Cromwell and Daikin NZ provide valuable financial support, but it is people like Dale who remind us that community events are built on something even more important: generosity, commitment, and a willingness to lend a hand.
Light Up Winter would not be what it is today without the support of local businesses and community champions who believe in creating something special for Cromwell.
Thank you to Dale, and all the teams at Aotea Electric Cromwell and Daikin NZ, for helping keep the magic alive.
Light Up Winter Cromwell takes place on Saturday 1st August 4pm - 8.30pm at the Anderson Park Rose Garden. Join us!
