A LANTERN parade is taking place in Warrington town centre on December 10 as part of an evening of festivities in the run up to Christmas.

All are welcome to take part in the family event which sets off from Queen's Gardens at 6.45pm before weaving its way to Golden Square's Christmas Village in the Old Fish Market.

There will also be carol singers and a chance to enjoy festive food and warm drinks at the Christmas market.

The theme of this year’s parade is Dick Whittington, to tie in with Parr Hall’s pantomime production in January so expect to see cats, rats and fairies and lanterns of all sizes, shapes and styles.

The annual lantern parade is organised by Culture Warrington with funding from Warrington Borough Council.

Cllr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture for Warrington Borough Council, said: "Not only do we want to provide events for all to enjoy but we want to attract more residents and visitors into the town to boost the economy and see what else we have to offer.

"There is a packed programme of festive fun and I’m sure we will see many more families visit the town centre this year."

A series of lantern-making workshops have been organised for families wanting to take part.

They take place at Golden Square and at libraries across Warrington at the dates and times below. The lanterns can then be collected at Parr Hall from 5.45pm on the day of the parade.

Lantern making workshops

Friday

Westbrook library, 4pm to 5pm

Saturday

Lymm library, 10am to 11am and 11.15am to 12.15pm

Woolston library, 10.30am to 12pm

Golden Square, 11am to 4pm

Culcheth library, 1.30pm to 2.30pm and 2.45pm to 3.45pm

Thursday, December 3

Penketh library, 4pm to 5pm

Saturday, December 5

Burtonwood library, 11am to 12pm

Golden Square, 11am to 4pm

Birchwood library, 11.30am to 12.30pm

Warrington library, 2pm to 3pm