Call to create lanterns to celebrate Christmas in Reading
The town's annual lantern parade will take place early next month
‘Glow’ is the name being given to Reading’s Lantern Parade, on Saturday 2 December.
Hundreds of glowing lanterns and their makers will be processing down Broad Street accompanied by musicians and glowing giant light installations to create a warm, festive spectacle in Reading town centre.
Last year’s inaugural parade saw 1500 people parade through Reading town centre and the organisers, Reading BID, are looking forward to another event to rival that, with an invitation for everyone in Reading to get involved by creating lanterns or just enjoying the event on 2 December itself.
This year’s theme ‘glow’ reflects not only the visual spectacle of the event, with beautiful glowing lights in the dark, but also the glowing feeling that we get from being around those that we love and care for in our community. This year, Reading Lantern Parade finishes in Forbury Gardens with a sing-a-long.
Ahead of the Lantern Parade, Beautiful Creatures and Jelly will be organising a series of workshops across Reading for everybody to come and make willow and paper candle lanterns. They will then take part with their glowing creations in the Parade itself.
Workshop Dates
Saturday 18th November / all day / Broad Street Mall with Jelly
Tuesday 21st November / after school / Coley Park Community Centre
Saturday 25th November / all day / Broad Street Mall with Jelly
Saturday 25th November / 1pm-3pm / Whitley Wood Community Centre
Tuesday 28th November / after school / Hexham Road Community Centre
Friday 1st December / after school / Southcote Hub
BOOK your place at www.readinglanternparade.co.uk
Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said:
“The Lantern Parade will be a highlight of Reading’s Christmas programme, made special by having so many young people involved. Come and join in a lantern- making workshop and bring a glow to Reading town centre this Christmas.”
On 2 December, Glow will start at 5pm on Broad Street. The parade will then move down Broad Street and end in Forbury Gardens for a sing-a-long.
Glow will be delivered for Reading BID by Beautiful Creatures. For details of Reading Lantern Parade and other Christmas events in Reading, www.visit-reading.com/Christmas