Lantern parades will light the way

Lantern parades will shine through Newbury and Hampstead Norreys later this afternoon (Sunday)

LANTERN parades will light up Newbury and Hampstead Norreys this afternoon (Sunday).

Following two lantern making workshops at Newbury Library, yesterday and last Saturday (pictured), scores of parents and children shared in the festive activity in preparation for the annual parade taking place once again in Newbury town centre today.

The lanterns have been made from willow, tape and tissue and the parade starts outside the Methodist Church in Northbrook Street at 4.30pm.

Meanwhile, Hampstead Norreys is hosting a Lighting Up and Christmas Parade today (Sunday) at St Mary's Church.

On the night of the village carol service, the villagers light lanterns outside their homes before a children's parade, led by Santa in his sleigh, begins at the village hall car park on Newbury Hill at 4pm.

Mulled wine follows at 5pm and the carol service starts at 6pm.

The money raised from the sale of the lanterns goes to the St Mary's Church, Hampstead Norreys, Save our Tower Appeal.

The village has been hosting the event for the past six years.