CRAFTS enthusiasts lit up the streets of Reading for the town’s Christmas lantern parade on Saturday evening.
Hundreds lined Broad Street for the procession entitled Dance of the Fireflies, which was organised by Reading Improvement Districts through REDA, Beautiful Creatures Theatre, Jelly and AV Events.
The council funded three of the lantern-making workshops held at venues across the town in the lead up to the main event.
Reading Buses offered free travel for those attending the parade with their own lanterns.
Zsuzsi Lindsay, Reading Borough Council culture placemaking officer, said: “It was fantastic. We had hundreds of people come down for the event, with the procession led by drummers down Broad Street and ending up at Forbury Gardens. It was such a lovely atmosphere.
“Especially after a tough few years, people were really excited to get out there and take part. Reading Buses offering free travel was great in terms of the cost of living crisis, ensuring that everything remained cost-free as much as possible.”
Starting at 5.30pm, participants made their way through the town centre on what was a ‘crisp’ December evening.
Members of the public watched on with amazement as the lit lanterns followed the glowing fireflies headed towards Forbury Gardens.
The event brought the community together as old and young celebrated the festive season.
Alexa Volker, manager of Reading Business Improvement District, said: “This festive season, we’ve switched on our Christmas lights again and put on a series of events in Reading town centre to appeal to the whole community and a wide range of ages.
“The Reading Lantern Parade: Dance of the Fireflies was a magical lantern procession that followed weeks of lantern-making workshops across Reading where everyone had the opportunity to create their own willow and paper lantern to take part in the parade.
“On Saturday, it was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout of both lantern bearers and spectators as the whole community walked together in lantern light, down Broad Street to Forbury Gardens for a musical finale.
“It was a truly heart-warming celebration of the festive season, filled with lights, music and community spirit. Thanks to everyone who took part – we hope to bring more events like this to Reading town centre in 2023.”
