The idea
This will be the 6th annual lantern parade. Each year we try to introduce something different into the event. We encourage local residents of all ages to create a lantern, supported by a local professional artist. The parade takes place from the mill, where the workshops are held, through the local park and finish with refreshments and music.
This year we propose to plant night scented flowers and riverbank wild flowers in the park. This will increase flora diversity along the river and therefore more wildlife alongside the Irwell. We will make wildflower lanterns and a fantastical moon garden for one night. The planting phase will culminate in a lantern walk along the river in October.
This will bring the community together, foster new skills and knowledge of flora and fauna, as well as a sense of pride of place amongst the local population and beyond.
We will also recycle frames from lanterns created in previous years, recovering them with the theme for this year
What we'll deliver
- Plant flowers along the river bank
- Hire a gazebo and sound system for the day
- Provide refreshments
- Employ professional artists to repair lanterns and organise workshops for new lanterns
Why it's a great idea
This project will reach sections of the community including those who are housebound and difficult to reach with all generations working together. We will link up with other community organisations with lantern making workshops, fostering new connections and friendships along the way.
Our events in previous years have been really popular and we have made progress in engaging with hard to reach areas of the village, with residents who would not normally show an interest in what started as an arts projected funded by the Arts Council. Over the years we have created a more community focus and slowly these residents are coming to the workshops and the parade.
Steps to get it done
- Secure funding
- Purchase plants and organise planting activities
- Hold workshops
- Organise refreshments, gazebo and PA system
- Hold final parade with volunteers and refreshments
