Save the date and write it on your calendar now as you do not want to miss the 2009 Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival. This year’s programme promises to deliver an exciting line up of irresistable chocolate events providing entertainment for people of all ages. Be prepared to have fun and celebrate during the week of festivities.

Now in its ninth year, the Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival will run from Saturday 11 July to Friday 17 July. Once again, the famous Cadbury Jaffa Race will be held down the world’s steepest street, Baldwin Street, Dunedin. Last year 30,000 Cadbury Jaffas were rolled down the street and $70,000 raised for charity. This year’s beneficiaries, Parents Centre NZ Inc and The Malcam Charitable Trust, are thrilled to be part of the week’s biggest chocolate event.

With everything from chocolate therapy, a chocolate cooking class, chocolate frogs and lizards, chocolate sculpting, chocolate painting, through to the brand new Cadbury Dairy Milk Gala Day opening and Otago Peninsula experience, the public will have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of chocolate themed activities aimed at celebrating winter in Dunedin with Cadbury chocolate.

“The Carnival is a fantastic event and delights locals and visitors alike.  There is such a sensational line up of events kicking off with an awesome Gala Fun Day and the fun won't stop all week!   While people indulge in the delicious decadence of a choc packed week, they are also supporting the community and having a lot of fun doing it”, said Dunedin City Council Events spokesperson, Kim Newman.

For the team at Cadbury, celebrating chocolate and the Dunedin community is what the Carnival is all about.

“Cadbury are thrilled to be involved in an event that celebrates the community. We want to help our partner organisations raise as much money as possible so they can continue to deliver the important programmes and courses that are so valuable for families and youth today. And we want to do this while encouraging heaps of fun and laughter with Cadbury chocolate” said Lee-Anne Anderson, Events Coordinator, Cadbury Ltd.

Grand opening
The carnival is set to open on Saturday 11 July with the Cadbury Dairy Milk Gala Day, an indoor extravaganza held at the Edgar Centre, an event like no other Dunedin has experienced before. From 9am till 4pm, individuals can experience loads of interactive entertainment including a very special Freddo show for a minimal $2 entry fee.

Chocolate Therapy
Have you considered what shape your favourite chocolate comes in? Did you know the shapes you’re attracted to can indicate aspects of your personality and how you communicate. The centres or fillings link into our own sub-conscious mind or the inner part that guides our emotions, moods, inner thoughts and self-esteem. And what about post-chocolate behaviour? How do you handle the carton, box,wrapper or foil after you’ve savoured the choc? If you need to know you should be attending the brand new Chocolate Therapy events at this year’s carnival.
Murray Langham, a New Zealand therapist, counsellor, facilitator and author of Chocolate Therapy and Hot Chocolate, will be presenting two intriguing workshops on Tuesday 14th July investigating Chocolate Therapy, which discovers a new way of understanding oneself through chocolate. Murray has diplomas is clinical hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming.

Celebrity chef Jo Seagar
One of New Zealand’s much loved and respected celebrity chefs Jo Seagar, will host a number of events on Thursday 16th July. As ambassador for Hospice New Zealand, Jo will utilise her time in Dunedin raising money for the Otago Community Hospice. Be part of an upmarket luncheon at top city restaurant Bell Pepper Blues, a cooking show with a very “easy peasy” chocolate theme and a charity auction evening with Jo as guest speaker.

Madagascar – Escape 2 Africa Live
The children will be thrilled this year to find out about the all singing, all dancing show visiting the Regent Theatre. Join Alex the lion, Marty the Zebra and Skipper and Private the crazy penguins in the fabulous Madagascar Live! Tickets go on sale at the Regent Theatre and Ticket Direct on May. At only $3 per person entry this is one not to be missed during the week.

Peninsula Day
Another exciting new addition to the Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival programme is the Experience our Peninsula Day on Sunday 12 July. A range of businesses and tours on Otago’s beautiful peninsula will be offering once in a life time entry specials to encourage people to get out and see the diverse range of attractions and wildlife available on Dunedin’s back door.

Cadbury Moro Band Jam
Teenagers are going to love the new competition lined up to celebrate Dunedin’s emerging musical talent. The Moro Band Jam will be held in the Regent Theatre on Thursday 16th July and challenge finalists from throughout the region to perform and win the vote for a top prize. Winners of the contest will have their song recorded and played on the Classic Hits radio station.

To plan your week of Dunedin chocolate indulgence and ensure you do not miss a single minute of entertainment visit www.chocolatecarnival.co.nz.