The magical Lantern Parade will return to Altrincham town centre this Saturday, December 7th.
The event has proved a huge success in previous years, attracting numerous visitors as the giant puppets and other local groups make their way around the town.
Here's everything you need to know about Saturday's Lantern Parade.
What entertainment will there be on Saturday?
The celebrations kick off at 12 noon in the Stamford Quarter with a line-up of performances by local school and community choirs.
Hosted by Darren Proctor, Fiona Sadler and Paul Cambray from Happy Radio, the audience will be entertained with music throughout the day.
Cllr Amy Whyte, Mayor of Trafford, will open the stage at midday followed by the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse Show Choir.
The Music Place Band with Martin Connor will lead a festive finale at 5.45pm.
Choirs from schools such as Stamford Park Primary, St Vincent’s Catholic Primary, Wellington School, Altrincham CofE Primary, Bowdon Prep, St Ambrose Prep and Oldfield Brow Primary will take to the stage throughout the day.
There will be special appearances by Martin and Sonia from Randalls Jewellers, soloist Millie Royale and Snowy the giant polar bear, who will delight children with appearances throughout the afternoon. Snowy has been sponsored by Foster with Trafford.
Nell’s Pizza will be serving mulled wine and cider to warm up the crowd, and the audience will be invited to join in the Christmas Song Competition by singing their favourite Christmas songs for a chance to win vouchers from local businesses, including a £150 Lane7 voucher, Sew Creative Kids’ Holiday Club Voucher, a FREE monthly pass from Orangetheory Fitness and more.
The competition will be hosted by Darren, Fiona, Paul and Carl Peters from Alibi, Altrincham’s cocktail and karaoke bar.
What time does the Lantern Parade start?
The Lantern Parade sets off at 5pm from Goose Green, featuring large lantern puppets and those created by local school children during workshops.
Participating schools include Altrincham CofE Primary, Stamford Park Primary and Oldfield Brow Primary.
Other parade participants include:
- Dancers from Cardwell Theatre School
- Members of Altrincham FC Women’s Team
- Cast members from Altrincham Garrick’s Jack and the Beanstalk
There will also be a special appearance by Santa, accompanied by the Rotary Club of Altrincham.
Street performers and musicians from Aura Music Academy will entertain those taking part in the parade as they gather in Goose Green and, festive food and drink will be provided by the Goose Green businesses.
Community Lantern Workshops are also being held at OYEZ Arts in Altrincham Town Hall at 1pm and 3pm. These workshops are FREE but must be booked in advance via Eventbrite.co.uk. Participants are encouraged to bring their creations and line the streets during the parade.
Best Viewing Spots and Road Closures
The parade will wind through the town taking a route that includes Moss Lane, Stamford New Road, Regent Road, Market Street and Shaw’s Road.
Rolling road closures will be in place from 5pm to 6pm, and motorists are advised to plan accordingly. Many of the businesses along the route will be offering festive food and drink.
Mandy White, Altrincham BID Director, said: “Altrincham’s Lantern Parade is a magical annual event.
"We encourage everyone to join the day’s festivities, enjoy the performances and support Altrincham’s businesses throughout the Christmas season by shopping local and celebrating in the town.”
Altrincham’s Lantern Parade is organised by Altrincham BID, who produce VisitAltrincham.com, and funded by Altrincham’s BID businesses, with additional support from The Stamford Quarter, Foster with Trafford and SPORTFIVE.
