The Infinite Energy Light Up Winter is your family’s chance to blow away the winter cobwebs, with an extended celebration which promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before.
“This year we are expecting more people from out of town, so that they too can enjoy the event and experience the warmth of the Cromwell community spirit,” says Gretchen Nightingale, Community Relations Manager for the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group (CDPG), adding “As our dates are close to Matariki, our theme is ‘Wish upon a Star’.
The organisers have added another night and several more elements to the festivities this year. On Friday, 9 July, the festival will kick off with Winter Glow – Silent Disco for our Youth. There will also be the Interstellar Astrophotography Workshop – a 4-hour workshop for all keen photographers.
The main event on Saturday, 10 July will start at 4.30pm with live music and entertainment in the Cromwell Mall. The festivities will then shift to the Big Fruit Reserve for the mass lantern release at 6pm. Once all of the lanterns have drifted into the sky, the fun will continue in the mall with the Light Up Your Hat parade and prize giving.
This year there will also be the Wish Upon a Star Art Competition, in which artists of all ages and skill levels can submit their work to be displayed on Saturday night. Let your imagination flow through the medium of sculpture, installations – whatever art pieces come into your mind and can be lit up and speak to the theme. There will be vouchers as prizes, and the winning piece will be displayed at Queenstown Art Centre after the event.
There will be a respite from the cold for youngsters in the Cromwell Library Craft Cave and at PaperPlus for a free movie. The vibrant night market will feature craft stalls, street food and hot drinks, with entertainment by roaming street performers.
The public will have a chance to vote for their favourite window display along the shops in The Mall and one lucky voter will win a fabulous hamper sponsored by the mall shops.
The organisers are very grateful for the support the event attracts and give special thanks to major sponsors Infinite Energy.
“They are wonderful, and have been with us from the beginning,” says Gretchen.
So don’t forget to brighten the mood, rug up, get out there and Light Up Winter.
