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Watch as Festival of Light lantern parade lights up town centre




Thousands of twinkling lanterns transformed Newbury town centre into a dazzling display of light.

The Corn Exchange and 101 Outdoor Arts hosted its annual Festival of Light this evening (Sunday), as thousands of people packed into the town to take part and enjoy the festive sight.

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

The popular winter event saw lantern holders gather at the clock tower in Northbrook Street before the candle-lit procession made its way along Northbrook Street and into Market Place.

Live music accompanied the parade, adding a festival atmosphere to the evening.

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

People showcased their own amazing creations having taken part in a number of lantern making workshops in recent weeks.

And among the sea of white were a host of large, intricate designs.

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

Phelim, from Newbury, was at the front of the parade. He said: “This is the third time we’ve done the brave and we couldn’t think of what to do and I live on the canal and I was walking in and saw a swan, so thought we’d do one of those.

“You see the same families, year after year. It’s lovely and brings the whole community together.

Ian, who had created the swan lantern with him, added: “It took a couple of days, about 10 hours to make altogether. Phelim is very creative and he did some sketches and we built it last Sunday, then we took photos of an actual swan to do the face.

“It’s the third year taking part with a large lantern. We did a robin the first year, then a fish, then the swan. We did the small pyramids for a couple of years and we saw the big ones and thought: ‘We’ve got to do one of those’.”

They praised the team at 101 who were very supportive during the workshops.

Carey Taylor with her children Caitlin and Adam created a present pile lantern
Carey Taylor with her children Caitlin and Adam created a present pile lantern

Carey Taylor, from Newbury, was there with her children, Caitlin and Adam, who had made a present pile lantern.

“We have done it for three years now and the children decided to make presents,” she added.

“It was Caitlin’s idea to stack them so there’s one for each of us.

“It’s loads of fun and has become an annual family tradition. We are glad to be able to take part.”

Sam with the Paddington and marmalade sandwich lanterns he had created
Sam with the Paddington and marmalade sandwich lanterns he had created

Sam, who also lives in Newbury, was there with his family and had made a lantern that has a very special link with Newbury.

“We have made Paddington and his marmalade sandwich, with a bite out of it of course.

“To make the frame it took 2.5 hours and then to add the paper it was another 1.5 hours. Then we painted it across three days.

“We were inspired by the chair [with Paddington in Northbrook Street] and the new film.

“It is nice to make it and then we can parade it.”

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

A spokesperson for the Corn Exchange said: “This year's procession saw 800 people taking part in the parade, with 400 lanterns making their way down Northbrook Street, with extravagant designs like flamingos, swans, an octopus and even Paddington Bear!

“Around 2,500 people came to line the streets and watch the parade on its journey through the town, enjoying the beautifully crafted lanterns, live music from band La Mort Subite and the wonderful festive atmosphere.”

The band – made up of people who attended a recent workshop – kept the beat going throughout the parade.

The festive spectacular was part of the outdoor events programme which is funded by Greenham Trust and Arts Council England.

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

The Festival of Light has seen more than 30,000 people involved over the past 12 years, with 9,600 people having participated in the parade during that time.

Corn Exchange director Jessica Jhundoo-Evans said: “The Festival of Light is always a highlight of the year for us; bringing together local people and volunteers to create beautiful lanterns and bringing our community together in an illuminated procession.

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

“It is a joy to see families and friends gather to enjoy this magical event and to know that people love it enough to keep it fixed in their calendars.”

In preparation for the event the Corn Exchange ran Lantern Making Workshops at 101 Outdoor Arts at Greenham to create traditional pyramid lanterns out of sustainable materials.

They have also run six Lantern Making Workshops in local schools, so that 271 more local young people can get involved in this festive celebration.

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

And it was a fitting end to a fantastic festive weekend in the town.

Friday saw the start of the Christmas market, which ran in Northbrook Street throughout Saturday too.

Around 60 small businesses set up stall, selling unique gifts, hot food and warming mulled wine.

Festival of Light
Festival of Light

There was also music from a number of school choirs – singing with the town’s famous resident, Paddington Bear.

Snow was falling on shoppers in Parkway on Saturday afternoon too, after a magical day with a living snow globe and entertainment throughout the day.

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Festival of Light
Festival of Light
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Festival of Light
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Festival of Light
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Pictures by Phil Cannings.



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