THE popular Hexham Lantern Parade is returning this month with people invited to come together in the town centre after dark to celebrate community, music and light.
People are encouraged to find an existing lantern or create their own at a free workshop with artist Deni Riach at Hexham Abbey.
The workshop will take place on Saturday, November 12 ahead of the parade on Friday, November 18.
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Pupils from Hexham First School are also working together to create a giant lantern which will lead this year’s parade, which begins at 6pm.
For those not wishing to participate in the parade, the Baghdaddies, best known for their 'ska and latin grooves and sizzling brass played with furious energy', will be playing in the marketplace from 6.30pm after wowing crowds at last year’s event.
Led by Queen’s Hall Arts, the Hexham Lantern Parade is being developed and managed by Hexham Cultural Network on behalf of Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ).
A partnership between Historic England, Northumberland County Council, Hexham Town Council and the Hexham Community Partnership, the HSHAZ scheme is seeking to deliver major improvements to boost the town centre and enhance the Conservation Area.
Queen’s Hall artistic director, Katy Taylor, said: "We are delighted to have announced a date for this year’s Lantern Parade and to be once again inviting people to come together to celebrate community, music and light.
"Last year’s event was fantastic and provided the much-needed opportunity for people of all ages to come together to enjoy the parade and amazing, high-energy music from the Baghdaddies!
"We’re really pleased the parade is joining the likes of Christmas Light Switch-on and Festival of Flame as another anticipated calendar event for Hexham."
Jules Brown from Historic England said: "We're excited the Lantern Parade is back. Helping to bring our historic high streets to life is proving to be one of the great successes of our High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, and in Hexham the lantern parade was one of the highlights of last year's activities."
Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for culture, said: "With the dark winter nights now upon us, the lantern parade promises to be a magical spectacle with local school children and residents coming together to celebrate their historic town.
"The lantern workshop will also be a wonderful way for people across the town to come together as a community, and I look forward to seeing all of the handmade lanterns that are created."
More information can be found online at queenshall.co.uk
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