Middlemarch Cavalcade 2026

10/05/2026

What an incredible evening celebrating the success and lasting impact the 2026 Cavalcade will have on our community.

Thanks to the amazing support of sponsors, volunteers, cavalcaders, locals, visitors, and everyone who backed the event, the committee are proud to announce that $92,000 has been raised and will be invested into the Strath Taieri community.

The funds will support a range of local groups and projects, including:

• Discover Middlemarch – $7,400 towards ongoing website hosting, maintenance, technical support, and marketing resources to continue promoting our community and region.

• Hindon Community Hall– $8,000 supporting painting and improvements to the community hall

• Strath Taieri Young Farmers – $1,000 to support the club and its future activities.

• Strath Taieri School P.T.A – $10,000 towards classroom resources, school camps, and cultural opportunities for students.

• Strath Taieri School Board of Trustees – $5,000 to provide two years of swimming lessons for all students.

• Middlemarch Swimming Club – $60,000 towards the replacement of the pool roof

The evening was a wonderful chance to reflect on what can be achieved when a community comes together. The Middlemarch Cavalcade 2026 was about far more than an event, it was about connection, pride, and creating something that will leave a positive legacy for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in making it possible.

17/03/2026

On foot, by bike, on horseback and by wagon — they all made their way into Middlemarch.

Here’s a snapshot of the Grand Parade into Middlemarch, along with a few scenes from Market Day during the Cavalcade celebrations. From the participants arriving in town to the many spectators lining the streets, it was a fantastic day filled with colour, character and community spirit.

A huge thank you to street photographer Mark McGuire for heading into Middlemarch to capture the day, and for generously sharing his incredible collection of images.

We weren’t able to upload them all here, but you can view images (and it’s well worth it!) over on Mark’s Substack:
https://markmcguire.substack.com/p/146-middlemarch-cavalcade-2026

There’s also a link within his page to access Mark’s full gallery with high-resolution images, so you can really enjoy the detail.

Have a scroll — you might just spot a familiar face!

10/03/2026

⭐ Sponsor Shoutout – Strath Taieri Community Board ⭐

A heartfelt thank you to the Strath Taieri Community Board for their generous support of this year’s Cavalcade.

Their commitment to supporting local events helps bring our community together and ensures traditions like the Cavalcade continue to thrive in the Strath Taieri.

We’re incredibly grateful for their support and for the role they play in strengthening our community.

09/03/2026

I'd like to extend an enormous thank you to the whole Strath Taieri community for your support over Cavalcade weekend - this event has taken an army to pull off and, boy oh boy, did we pull it off! The feedback from the Cavalcaders has been amazing, so thank you Strath for your help, support and attending the events.

Special spotlight on the Cavalcade committee - Amber Matthews Stephanie Macaulay Anna Ramsay Emma Barker Lynnore Templeton Rebecca Costelloe Kaye Walker Angus Barr Alice Scott Dianna Bradshaw, Andrew Templeton, Bevan Wilson, John Carruthers and Philip Paul 😀

You all did a power of work over the last year, and last week really dug in and 'Got Schist Done'! We can be very proud of our efforts!

It'll take a few weeks for us to confirm the final amount of funds raised, watch this space for an update!

Tara

09/03/2026

08/03/2026

🥇 Gold Sponsor Shoutout – Otago Community Trust🥇

A huge thank you to Otago Community Trust for their generous support as a Gold Sponsor.

Their significant financial contribution has played a major role in helping bring this event to life, supporting our community and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

We’re incredibly grateful for their support and commitment to communities across Otago. Thank you for being part of it! 🙌

08/03/2026

A Big Thank You to Our Supporters 🙌

A huge thank you to Dunedin ITM for kindly lending us their BBQ trailer for the Middlemarch Cavalcade weekend. It’s support like this behind the scenes that helps bring the whole event together. We really appreciate you getting in behind the Cavalcade and our community.

07/03/2026

We have a very very small number of Hoedown tickets for sale - get in quick!

07/03/2026

Well done to all of our fabulous artists in the colouring-in competition ! Congratulations to the first place getters across the age groups Gracie Reid, Belle Stevenson and Ted - well done!!!