STALYBRIDGE is set to shine as Tameside’s much-loved Lantern Parade prepares to make a dazzling return.
The annual spectacle, which has drawn huge crowds to Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde in previous years, will bring festive sparkle to the town on Saturday, November 15.
The town centre will be transformed with lanterns, live music and plenty of Christmas cheer for the Northern Lights Winter Parade – to give it its official name.
The event officially marks the start of the borough’s Christmas celebrations and is a collaboration between Tameside Council, community groups, volunteers, Global Grooves, Cabasa and No Eyed Theatre.
The parade will feature handmade lanterns crafted by local families and community groups during October half-term workshops and will wind its way from Waterloo Road to Armentieres Square between 5pm and 6pm.
For the first time, a festive-themed Stalybridge Street Fest will run alongside the parade from 4pm to 8pm, offering usual food, drink and entertainment. Before that, the artisan market will fill the Civic Hall from 11am.
Accompanied by dancers, live music and local performers, the evening will culminate in the switching on of the town’s Christmas tree lights in the square.
Councillor Leanne Feeley, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, said: “Every year it delivers a wonderfully festive community celebration. 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.”
Following on from the Lantern Parade, Christmas celebrations will continue with events held across the borough throughout November and the beginning of December across each of Tameside’s nine towns.