Wednesday December the 8th saw the return of the lantern parade, now in its fourth year and growing in size each year saw this parade the biggest of them all. Around 150 – 200 people took part in the parade, taking the lanterns they had made at the Jankie D’s workshop held at Alderman Swindell, Greenacre and St Nicholas Priory and the workshops at The Great Yarmouth Library and Priory Centre.
I had met up with Steve Drummond of Jankie D’s earlier in the day to offer any help, a lot of work goes into these parades and for Jankie D’s it was all go from 3.00pm, fitting Led lights into some of the younger Children’s lanterns and transporting the larger displays to the Christchurch building ready for the parade at 6.30pm.
It wasn’t long before a crowd starting growing with people arriving just after 6.00 little Leah Woodgate and her mother Ruth walked to the Christchurch building with us. Leah was really excited and asked to wear one of the larger displays, after a little adjusting From Jankie D it fit like a dream as you can see from our photo in our photo Galleries page link below.
The Reindeers arrived along with Santa and excitement started growing, people laughing and having fun. I was at hand to light candles for the children which was a great honour for me, not only was I reporting on this event, but taking part in its build up and with the parade.
The Parade started on time and the reindeers led the parade along King Street to the market place before turning at Argos and making there way back to the Towns Christmas tree just in front of Market gates.
The reindeer were put into a pen so the children could see them and ask questions about them and take photos. The parade was followed by carols form the Salvation Army and members from the Dusmagrik youth theatre.
The parade was organised by Jankie D’s and the Town Centre Partnership and support was given from Community Connections, ComeUnity, Great Yarmouth Library and Sea Change Arts.
Steve Drummond from Jankie D’s would like to thank every one that attended and supported the Lantern Parade. Steve would also like to see you at the Jankie D’s workshops throughout 2011.
I would like to thank Jankie D’s and wish them well in 2011
Darren Wheeler
Lisa Davies
96k Community Reporters
More photo's at HERE
