MORE than 100 handmade lanterns will light up Lister Park as part of a popular event making a return after the Covid pandemic.

This year’s Lister’s Lantern Parade takes place on Friday October 28, and has the theme ‘Together We Rise’.

Before the parade, people are invited to take part in free lantern-making workshops at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Lister Park.

A workshop will take place on Thursday October 27, from 11am to 3pm as part of the global ‘Big Draw’ initiative.

The workshop will be led by local artist Morwenna Catt using this year’s Big Draw theme of ‘Come Back To Colour.’

The workshop is free and is suitable for those aged eight and above. There will also be hour-long workshops led by local arts collective Cecil Green Arts on the day of the parade at 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm, where people will be able to create and decorate their very own lantern to take part in the event.

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Places on these workshops are suitable for all ages, but are limited so booking is essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The parade around the award-winning Lister Park will start at dusk from the front steps of Cartwright Hall.

Entertainment in the park starts at 5.30pm and the parade will begin at 6.30pm.

This year the parade will feature music from the Peace Artistes, Jamba Samba, Dales Jam and Banda Na Rua.

As part of the event Cartwright Hall Art Gallery will also be open for people to visit until 9pm.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places said: “This fabulous community lantern parade is making a welcome return after having to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

“The workshops and the parade are great free community activities for children of all ages to take part in during the October half-term holidays.

“The event is also a chance to visit the civic art gallery out of hours, see the displays, permanent galleries and peruse the gallery shop in the evening.”

Book workshop sessions by calling 01274 431212, emailing cartwright.hall@bradford.gov.uk or book at reception at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery.

Volunteers are needed to assist with The Big Draw on October 27 and also to help with stewarding, lantern placing and lighting, and potentially carrying some of the large lanterns at the parade on the Friday.

To volunteer contact Sonja Kielty via email bmgvolunteers@bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 436027.