Record field for nippy nude winter solstice swim

The swim has been expanded from 2000 to 3000 participants after increased demand. 

It's a far cry from the inaugural swim in 2013 which featured just 300 swimmers and needed a special permit to go ahead. 

"Every year we are inundated with messages from disappointed punters who missed out on a spot," Dark Mofo executive producer Melissa Edwards said.

The festival has worked with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to boost capacity. 

A nippy 6C minimum is forecast for Hobart on Friday, as well as cloudy conditions, light winds and the chance of showers.

Dark Mofo, which wraps up on Sunday, ran a reduced program in 2024 so it could find a more sustainable financial model.

The Tasmanian government has committed $7.5 million to the music, food and art event over three years.

The festival has made a name for itself by courting controversy and in 2018 drew the ire of some by installing inverted Christian crosses along Hobart's waterfront.