COMMUNITY arts group Fizzgigs joined forces with an Ellesmere-based charity to launch a lantern making workshop.

Age Concern, which organises a weekly session for up to 20 people in Ellesmere Town Hall every Thursday, welcomed volunteers from the arts group who helped make lanterns for this month’s winter festival parade.

Joan Tudor-Watson of Age Concern Ellesmere said that the activity helped clients feel involved in festivities.

“We all had a wonderful time – it was something quite different for our clients and helped them feel really involved in the town’s festive preparations,” Joan added.

“The winter festival parade is a great community event where everyone can take part in kicking off the festive season,” said Fizzgigs chairman Claire Cartlidge.

“Everyone is very welcome to come and join us at the free workshops to make lanterns and take part in the procession.”

The next lantern workshops are in in the Town Hall on Saturday, November 23 from 10am to 1pm and again from 2pm to 5pm. Then on Thursday, November 28 from 5pm to 8pm.

The workshops are free of charge and open to anybody who wants to make lanterns and take part in the Fizzgigs winter festival procession leading Father Christmas into town on November 29 from 6pm.

Children of primary school age should be accompanied by an adult.

Further details are available on the website www.fizzgigs.co.uk or by email lantern@fizzgigs.co.uk