Entertainment

For many hitting the streets of Salisbury, just a week before Christmas, is for want of a better word 'Michaelmadness'… but for 1000 Wiltsherites it's the perfect time to take to the streets with a lantern.

Lantern Parade - Image courtesy Circular Arts

The Salisbury Lantern Parade, which made its debut in 2006, is fast becoming one of Wiltshire's festive fixtures that few can literally hold a candle to…

Organised by the local charity Circular Arts, and led by community artist Alex Grant from Toozalii Community Arts in association with Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival, the traditional Japanese inspired event has literally taken off.

Around 200 to 250 people took part in 2006, over 600 in 2007 and this year an estimated 1,000 people are expected to light up the streets of Wiltshire's only city.

Lantern Making Workshops

In the run up to the event 65 lantern making workshops, across South Wiltshire and Salisbury, have been set up to give Primary schools, day centres, kids clubs, disability groups and families.

This year, a 15 super-sized 12 foot lanterns are due to head up the parade as it winds its way through the Salisbury streets.

Lantern Parade - Image courtesy Circular Arts

Twelve local artists, let loose on the theme of Christmas, have been commissioned to create their own take on the paper lantern.  Although, that said, they haven't been let completely loose as one of the artist's ideas of a paper lantern devil was quickly snuffed out.

Devils aside it is, according to the organiser Alex Grant, all about getting the whole community creative and in the festive spirit:

"Throughout the parade, last year, people were asking us: What is it in aid of? Is it to raise money? Is it to raise awareness of anything?

"In truth this parade is the culmination of all the workshops that have enabled minority groups to work on a creative project and then to be able to show off their handy work by bringing those groups together to be a part of something big.

"We want every one to join in across the whole community, young and old. It's about building community, and getting people in to the spirit of Christmas.

Lantern Parade - Image courtesy Circular Arts

"Nothing more, nothing less…"

Where and when

So if you want to join in the Salisbury Lantern Parade 2008 is due to start from the Salisbury Arts Centre at 6.30pm, on Thursday 18th December, 2007. 

The parade route runs across the city centre, Bedwin Street, Castle Road, Market Square, Queens Street, New Canal Street, High Street before arriving at the Cathedral Close.  Two Community Choirs and a village Brass Band will accompany the Lanterners. 

For more information in taking part in the parade call Toozalii Community Arts on 01722 324 111.