ALTRINCHAM will once again be lit up by hundreds of lanterns this Saturday as school children take part in a magical Christmas lantern parade.

The parade which has been organised by the Stamford Quarter, will make its way from Altrincham Market at 5pm to the Stamford Quarter, where Father Christmas and the famous Snowman character will be waiting to greet families.

Pupils from Altrincham Church of England School and Stamford Park Primary took part in lantern making workshops run by Local Creation, a business set-up by local artist and winner of the Drive2Thrive competition, John Wonnacott, which aims to provide opportunities and space for artists to work on their crafts and run classes.

Talking about the parade, John said “It has been fantastic to work with the Stamford Quarter on this event. The children really enjoyed the lantern making workshops and we look forward to seeing them all on Saturday at the market to collect their lanterns and take part in the parade.

“We will also be holding lantern making workshops on the day at the Stamford Quarter from 2pm to 4pm so that other children and even adults can come along and make their own lanterns to join the parade.”

The lantern parade will end a day filled with fun activities. Families can attend a story telling session with the Snowman at 10am in Waterstones, make their own lanterns to join in the parade from 2pm to 4pm in the Stamford Quarter and from 4pm, radio station Silk FM will be providing free entertainment for families with music, games and activities on a stage in Stamford Square near to Wilkinson and House of Fraser.

At 4:30pm, children can then collect their lanterns from Altrincham Market and get ready to join the parade which will leave the market at 5pm and make its way to the Stamford Quarter. Once at the centre there will be more fun with Silk FM, including live music and a Christmas carol sing along.

David Wightman, centre manager of the Stamford Quarter said “It is a very busy week for the centre with the Altrincham Christmas light switch on taking place on Thursday followed by the Lantern Parade on Saturday.”

“Last year, there was a really magical Christmas atmosphere in the town during the parade and the children’s lanterns looked fantastic. We hope to provide even more fun for families this year.”