Preparations are underway for the Aotea Daikin Light Up Winter event in August, with organisers Cromwell Promotions moving the festivities back to the mall in Cromwell.

A child is entranced by the illuminations at a previous Light Up Winter event

Last year, a larger event space was needed to accommodate all the activities, said Cromwell Promotions community relationships manager Kelly Cruickshank-Giles.

“This year we don’t have the same requirements, so we are taking the event back to its roots by hosting it in the northern car park of the mall.”

The group has also decided to shift the date back to Saturday August 5 to avoid the worst of the winter chill, with events scheduled from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Light Up Winter offers something for young and old, with a diverse range of street food from the vibrant night market, captivating street performers, free creative kids workshops and live entertainment by local artists. 

The popular Light Up Your Hat competition and parade will also return this year to put a smile on everyone’s faces.

The highlight of Light Up Winter is the breathtaking mass-lantern release, scheduled as the grand finale at 7:30 pm. Visitors should prepare to be awe-struck as the night sky becomes adorned with over a thousand lanterns, transforming it into a magical canvas of illuminated beauty. 

Committed to safety and environmental responsibility, Cromwell Promotions ensures the lanterns provided are flame retardant, completely biodegradable, and free from any wire that could harm wildlife. These lanterns can be booked on the group’s website before the event.

PHOTOS: Cromwell Promotions