CENTRAL Reading will be lit up on Saturday, December 10, as residents march the streets of the town with homemade lights.
The Reading Lantern Parade: Dance of the Fireflies will see visitors young and old come together for a fun-filled festive event.
The production company is holding three free lantern making workshops in the lead up to the procession at Southcote Community Hub, Coley Park Community Centre and Whitley Wood Community Centre.
Zsuzsi Lindsay, culture placemaking officer at Reading Borough Council, said: “It’s all about bringing people together to share joy and to share experiences, which is particularly important at a time when things are difficult.
“There’ll be lights and music to celebrate the festive season. The parade will start outside what was the Clas Ohlson building and end in Forbury Gardens.”
Suitable for all ages, the lantern making workshops will help guests make their own willow and paper lantern for the procession.
Each workshop lasts two hours and is supported by professional artists who will guide visitors through the creative process.
Reading Buses will provide discounted travel into the town centre for anybody coming in to take part in the parade with a lantern. Travel vouchers will be distributed to those attending workshops.
The procession itself will follow the glowing fireflies as they dance their way along Broad Street to Forbury Gardens, moving at a slow pace to ensure everyone is accommodated. Accessible viewing areas will be available in Forbury Gardens.
Reading Lantern Parade is hosted by Reading Improvement Districts, representing business in the town centre through REDA, Beautiful Creatures Theatre, Jelly and AV Events.
It is supported by the council, Reading Buses, 101 Outdoor Arts, Broad Street Mall, Black & White Music Ltd and Blue Collar Food.
The Southcote workshop takes place at 3.30pm on November 25; the Coley Park workshop takes place at 3.30pm on November 28; and the Whitley Wood workshop takes place at 11am on December 3.
For more information or to book a free ticket, search: Beautiful Creatures Theatre on www.eventbrite.co.uk
