HUNDREDS of handmade lanterns will once again light up a Bradford park as a much-loved free lantern parade returns this year.
The Cecil Green Arts lantern parade will start from 6pm tomorrow (Friday) in Lister Park, Manningham.
The parade will start in front of Cartwright Hall, ending with a spectatular fire drawing performance at the bandstand.
Four bands will accompany the parade along the way, the Peace
Artistes, Jamba Samba, Dales Jam and Banda na Rua.
The parade will include some spectacular giant illuminated puppets and hundreds of handmade lanterns made by local schools and community groups and new lead lanterns made by talented local artists.
New shadow performances have been commissioned which will debut at the parade, along with a special finale performance by Mind The Gap.
Newly-commissioned works by local artists Cartwright Hall Art Gallery will be open all evening.
Entertainment begins at 6pm with the parade starting at 6.45pm. The theme of this year's parade is 'Together We Rise'.
Harry Kingham, from Cecil Green Arts, said: "The theme of the parade arose from conversations held at community meetings where we discussed our experiences over the last couple of years.
"'Together We Rise' is about balancing our anger about the injustices in the world with our hope for a better future."
Katie Jones, director of Cecil Green Arts, said: "We're really excited to be working with a talented team of artists that we have pulled together to create a magical spectacle of light and beauty in the darkness.
"This year we have a record amount work as 400 to 500 lanterns have been made at schools and with community groups.
"We try to do things as a community in everything we do."
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."
There will be hour-long lantern painting workshops at Cartwright Hall on the day of the parade led by Cecil Green Arts.
The timing of the workshops will be 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm.
Places on these workshops are suitable for all ages, but are limited, so booking is essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
To make a booking ring Cartwright Hall on 01274 431212 or call in.
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