Tomorrow evening the centre of Dunedin hosts the 20th annual Midwinter Carnival.

Two decades ago Paul Smith was one of the founders of the event, he's now the chairperson of the Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations Trust.

He says the festival has come a long way in two decades.

From 5:30 tomorrow evening, 22 giant lanterns, as well as hundreds of owls, flax, and koru lanterns will be paraded around the Octagon.

Organisers expect more than 200 volunteers, as well as a number of performers to entertain the expected crowds.

The event has a rain delay day of Sunday 25th June.