On Sunday 17th December, Bromsgrove Town Centre played host to a spectacular lantern parade, The Festival of Light 2017.

Created in partnership with Artrix, NWedR and Bromsgrove District Council The Festival of Light attracted hundreds of people to Bromsgrove’s High Street to participate in a community celebration of togetherness, light and the Winter season.

The parade began with members of the samba band Someone at the Door, awakening a 20 foot puppet of a Giant, to begin a journey down Bromsgrove’s High Street. The Giant lead the lantern parade through the town centre, searching for the community spirit of Bromsgrove. The Bunraku puppet was created by the 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space, puppeteered by Beautiful Creatures and directed by Kristoffer Huball who specialises in visually spectacular, large scale outdoor performance. 

Associate Artist Kristoffer Huball also worked alongside Artrix staff to deliver lantern making workshops with schools, community groups, families and individuals. It’s estimated that approximately 500 lanterns have been created in workshops leading up to the festival and more than 250 people took to the streets on Sunday with their illuminated lanterns to join in the parade, with hundreds more spectating. Kristoffer Huball said:

“It’s been a pleasure to make and create these paper lanterns with the people of Bromsgrove, the end result being the stunning lantern parade. It was wonderful to see so many fantastic creations lit up and on display.”

The December weather didn’t dampen the spirits of those taking part with the audience enjoying music from Bromsgrove’s community Samba band, Someone at the Door and Birmingham-based Balkan Gypsy Band The Destroyers. Bromsgrove Centres Manager Cheryl Welsh added: 

“I’m so pleased that The Festival of Light was enjoyed by so many people. It’s wonderful to have such a community led, accessible and inclusive event taking place at this time of year and I think this Christmas we’ve really proved what a fantastic venue our town centre can be.

"What better way to join together as a community than to share in creating and experiencing this magical piece of outdoor theatre. It’s been a fabulous end to a jam-packed calendar of events and I can’t wait to see what next year holds.”