The magical Lantern Parade returns to Altrincham town centre this Saturday, November 19th.
The event has proved a big success in previous years, attracting a large number of visitors as the giant puppets and other local groups make their way around the town.
The day will get underway when local school and community choirs take to the ‘Not So Secret Grotto’ community stage, hosted by Darren Proctor from Happy Radio, and kick off with ‘Little Belters’ at midday.
The parade will start to gather from 4.15pm where festive food and drink will be available from the Goose Green businesses. The route will take in Moss Lane, Stamford New Road, Regent Road, Market Street, Shaw’s Road and finish in the Stamford Quarter.
Rolling road closures will be in place, and motorists are advised to avoid the route of the parade between 5-6pm if possible.
The parade will finish at 6pm with a festive singalong finale led by The Music Place.
The event has been organised by Altrincham BID, who produce VisitAltrincham.com and are funded by the businesses in Altrincham, with headline sponsor The Stamford Quarter.
The Christmas lights will come on for the first time at the Altrincham Welcomes Christmas event this Thursday.
Alongside the spectacular lantern puppets, local school children from Altrincham C of E Primary, Stamford Park School, Oldfield Brow Primary School, Park Road Academy Primary School and Cloverlea Primary School will join the parade with lanterns they have made in school workshops.
Dancers from Cardwell Theatre School will also be joining the parade along with members of Altrincham Football Club’s women’s team and some of the cast from the Altrincham Garrick’s Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington. Santa will also be making a special appearance, accompanied by members of the Rotary Club of Altrincham.
Mandy White, Altrincham’s BID Manager, said: “Altrincham’s Lantern Parade is a magical spectacle with a real community feel.
“We would encourage everyone to come into Altrincham and enjoy the day’s performances on the stage and then watch the parade from the many vantage points all around the town.
“This event marks the start of the festive period in Altrincham and it’s more important than ever this year to support the town’s businesses – by shopping and celebrating in Altrincham this Christmas.”
