For the last few weeks people have been busy making penguins, goldfinches, tortoises and spacecraft lanterns for the Beacons Lantern Procession on Saturday 12th October.
Everyone is welcome to join as children and adults parade the lanterns they have made up to the Beacons view point on Parkwood Springs. As dusk falls and the lights of the city below are illuminated, the procession will follow the Sheffield Samba Band through the woods in the dark for a finale on the football field.
Meet on the field by the car park at Cookswood Road/Shirecliffe Road. Procession starts 5.45pm.
COME EARLY from 4.30pm for coffee, tea, and Indian street food (by Fancy an Indian) available to buy beforehand. Have something to eat and drink, and chat to your friends.
Local artist Patrick Amber, who has been running lantern making workshops in the run up to Saturday’s procession, says:
“A lot of folk of all ages have been very busy making the most beautiful lanterns: penguins, goldfinches, tortoises, Star Wars spacecraft, giant chilli, a giraffacorn! This Saturday evening at Parkwood Springs you can join these and other delights on a procession through the woods as night falls. It’ll be lovely.”
Patrick documented the making of the lanterns, from the early stages of building the armature and covering them with strong white tissue to finally adding colour and illumination.
“We’ve papered the goldfinches and a swift and a bat with white tissue.”
“I think there must be a goldfinches nest in Christchurch, just look at this lot! Next Saturday evening, they’ll be flying round the woods with all the other illuminated fauna and a Star Wars TIE-fighter and other delights.”
Everyone is welcome. No lantern is required – you can just join the walk and enjoy the procession.
The Beacons Lantern Procession is organised by Friends of Parkwood Springs and takes place Saturday 12th October 5.45pm – 7pm at Parkwood Springs. Or come early from 4.30pm for Indian street food and coffee. Meet on the field by the car park at Cookswood Road/Shirecliffe Road.
