November 16, 2018 9.57 am This story is over 63 months old

Lantern parade to illuminate Gainsborough

It’ll be even bigger and better than last year

Gainsborough will host its second Illuminate lantern parade next week as children and community groups across the town lead the way with their own homemade creations.

Artists have been working with a range of community group leaders, schools and other people to teach participants how to create their own willow and paper structures, which they will bring along to the parade on Wednesday, November 21.

The event, which is made possible by a grant from Arts Council England, will begin with an all-age service with performance at the United Reformed Church (URC), with participants able to register from 5.30pm at the venue for a 6pm start.

Rev.Dr. Gillian Poucher will lead the service which will feature performances from the ‘Imagination Museum: Mayflower 400’ dancers. After the service participants will gather from 6.30pm in the grounds of the Parish Church ready to parade to the Old Hall and Market Place before finishing in Marshall’s Yard.

The event is made possible by a grant from Arts Council England.

A special digitally projected film has been commissioned for the parade, developed from stained glass panels designed by pupils from Parish Church Primary School. Alongside bespoke Pilgrims’ heritage themed lanterns, there will be a performance by young people from the Performing Arts Club St Johns as part of the parade.

The event will commemorate the region’s Pilgrim Roots and the important role in world history. Nearly 400 years ago, the Mayflower sailed to America carrying passengers from Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire – inspired by leading thinkers from Gainsborough.

This will be Gainsborough’s second Illuminate lantern parade.

Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee at West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Sheila Bibb, said: “This year’s parade will build on the success of last year’s event.

“I’m looking forward to seeing children share their art work as part of the parade as well as through an exciting added element this year, with digitally projected film on Gainsborough Old Hall – created from art work designed by school children.

“It has been wonderful to see so many people taking part in the free artist-led sessions at Trinity Arts Centre, X-church and the United Reformed Church. I would like to say a big thank you to local artists Julie Willoughby, Kirsty Champ and Jess Kemp who have all contributed to this year’s vision for Illuminate.”

There is also one more chance to take part and create your own lantern at a free workshop this weekend on Saturday, November 17 from 10am-4pm at Connexions Community Hub.