TAMESIDE is gearing up for a season of light, music and community spirit as details of when the borough’s towns will mark the countdown to Christmas have been revealed.
Festivities will begin in spectacular fashion with the much-loved Lantern Parade on Saturday, November 15.
As we reported in June, the parade – which drew over 7,000 people in Hyde last year – will bring an evening of glowing displays, performances and celebration to Stalybridge this year.
It will again feature dazzling handmade lanterns, created in workshops with local families and community groups during the October half term.
For families keen to get involved in the Lantern Parade, lantern-making workshops will take place at Stalybridge Civic Hall.
Sessions are scheduled for Saturday, October 25, from 10.30am to 1pm; Monday, October 27, from 10.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5pm; and Wednesday, October 29, from 10.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5pm.
The procession will wind its way through Stalybridge before culminating with the town’s Christmas tree light switch-on, accompanied by dancers, live music and local performers.
For the first time, Stalybridge Street Fest will also run alongside the parade, with festive food and drink to keep the atmosphere buzzing well into the evening.
The Lantern Parade is being delivered by Tameside Council, in partnership with Global Grooves and Handmade Productions, with the support of local volunteers. Funding has also come from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Flexible Local Authorities Grant Fund.
“Every year it delivers a wonderfully festive community celebration,” said Stalybridge councillor Leanne Feeley, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture.
“We want everyone to play a part in the parade whether it’s creating a lantern, being part of the parade performers or just coming along to enjoy and watch this amazing free event. It’s not to be missed and a truly brilliant evening that really highlights and honours the amazingly creative and cultural spirit of our borough.”
Festive fun across Tameside’s towns
The celebrations don’t stop there as, over the weeks that follow, towns across Tameside will each host their own Christmas events, with lights switch-ons, music and family entertainment on the following dates:
Friday, November 21: Dukinfield
Saturday, November 22: Denton and Ashton-under-Lyne
Friday, November 28: Audenshaw
Saturday, November 29: Droylsden and Hyde
Friday, December 5: Hattersley and Mossley
Saturday, December 6: Micklehurst