An estimated 4,000 visitors were entertained by street performers, fire-dancers, illuminated fairies, food trucks and live music at the Infinite Energy Light up Winter event on Saturday (July 9).

The rain cleared in time for the event, which was held at the Big Fruit Reserve in Cromwell.  

“It was great to see so many people out, considering the very cold night,” co-organiser Marion Low said.

Visitors began arriving around 4.30pm and there were soon queues forming as people waited to collect their lanterns for the lantern release at 6pm. Over a thousand lanterns were purchased.

For Cromwell local Susie Cable it was a poignant evening. “It’s three years since my mother died on this day and I sent up a lantern for her. It felt good.”

Earlier in the day, Beth and Ella Sangster and friend Beau Brown spent time in the tipi working on their hat creations for the Light up your Hat competition. Volunteer Sarah File and her 13-year-old daughter Ciara were on hand to help out.  

Beth (front), Ella Sangster (left) and Beau Brown having hat fun.

Volunteers Ciara (left) and Sarah File with their Mobility-Dog-in-training, Annie.

People of all ages had taken up the creative challenge and judging was tough picking the winners.  

Five and under hats competition

Judges were Mark Ruston from Aotea Electrical (sponsors of the competition), and local artist, Deidre Copeland.

The winners were: Piper MacCormick (first), Ayaan Hussein (second), and Erica van Beusekom (third) in the five years and younger competition; Charli Symons (first), Chloe Sligo (second), and Josh Sligo (third) in the six to 10-year-olds; Pippa (first) and Anthea Hussein (second) in the 11 to 17-year-olds; and Julie Morton (first), Violet Hussein (second), and Rebecca Begg (third) in the adults’ competition.

This year an ice skating rink was set up at the Big Fruit Reserve playground as part of the event and will remain open until Thursday July 14. This was made possible by a grant from Southern Lakes Event Fund.

For more information and tickets, go to www.trybooking.com.

BE Waffle food van was a popular choice. Owners Willie & Liesbeth

Illuminated Fairy – the fairies were in high demand for selfies

Lantern lighting time

PHOTOS: The Central App