Newbury Festival of Light enjoys another successful year

A sea of lanterns lit up the streets of Newbury on a chilly winter's eve.

Hundreds gathered along Northbrook Street and Market Place to celebrate Newbury's Festival of Light on Sunday.

People of all ages met at Newbury Clock Tower for 4pm, before joining a candle-lit procession down Northbrook Street with their twinkling lanterns — accompanied by live music from Reading-based community Samba band, Beatroots.

Eager spectators enjoyed a range of spectacular displays, among which were giant caterpillars, lizards and gingerbread figures.

Development officer, Claire Currie, said: "I think it feels like we are a bit back to normal now. We have had lots of workshops running the last few weekends to build the lanterns. Everything is home made or made at our workshops.

"I think we have made about 900 lanterns and sculptures on display tonight, including lots of boats, owls and dragons."

The popular winter event is a long established Newbury tradition bringing the local community together to celebrate the festive season. Many said it had provided much-needed respite and relief during these troubling times of economic hardship and international crisis.

Eight-year-old Phoebe's sculpture was so big, she had to tow it along on a bike. "It took me two days to build mine," she said, but admitted she had a little help from her mum and dad.

"I am freezing but excited," added Owen, 11, just before the procession began. "I didn't build it all myself; I had some help from my friends."

His colourful fiery dragon was made, among others, by St Bartholomew's School art department.

The Festival of Light is presented by the Corn Exchange and 101 Outdoor Arts as a part of its free outdoor events programme, funded by the Greenham Trust and Arts Council England.