Shrewsbury lantern parade to get into Christmas spirit
Families can help light up the launch of the Christmas season in Shrewsbury by taking part in a spectacular lantern parade.
They can come along and make their own lanterns at a free workshop to be held in the town's Darwin Shopping Centre tomorrow from 11am to 4pm.
The streets and shopping centres of Shrewsbury will come to life four days later, on Wednesday, when the lantern parade gathers at 5.30pm at the Darwin Centre.
At 6pm it will be led by the mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Miles Kenny, through the town for the Christmas lights switch-on at 7pm by the mayor and a character from this year's Shrewsbury pantomime.
The lantern workshop will be led by artist Maggie Love, who is hoping for a good turnout. She said: "The lantern parade through the town is sure to be a magical part of the Christmas Cracker festivities.
"The workshop is open to all ages and is great fun for all the family. The event will help everyone get into the festive spirit and I'd encourage everyone to come along.
"We will be using the former British Heart Foundation unit in the middle level of the shopping centre.
"We work with willow sticks and will be using them to create a framework for each lantern which will be illuminated by LED lights. The event is free, though you will have to put up a £5 deposit which can be redeemed on return of the LED. The lantern is yours to keep.
Kevin Lockwood, manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: "We're delighted to be able to help again. It promises to be a fantastic event."
