Fire performers, illuminated installations and lanterns at the Lamplighter Festival

When: 6th December 2014

Where: Todmorden, Upper Calderdale Valley, West Yorkshire

£: Free

What is it?

On Saturday 6th December, Todmorden will light up with a handmade lantern parade, fire performers, street bands and illuminated installations.

This is the second Lamplighter Festival, back by popular demand, organised by the Handmade Parade.  The special night-time event showcases the unique creativity of Todmorden.  The Lamplighter Festival features widely renowned street performers and installation artists from the Upper Calderdale Valley.

The lantern parade begins at 6pm.  The fire shows, illuminated installations and street performances take place from 7pm until 9pm.  The event features art and performances by FlameOz, Spacecadets, Walk the Plank, the Lantern Company, Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners, Dhamak, Curious Cargo, VIP Puppets, Rat Race by Frolicked, The Fear Eater by Wild Rumpus, Handmade Samba, and Todmorden Belly Dance.  There will also be satellite events including the World Street Party on Water Street and Night Beams at Fundevogel Art Cafe.

The Lamplighter Festival will also feature a Christmas Night Market, filled with delicious food from local artisans and gifts.

There will be lantern workshops taking place before the Lamplighter Festival, where participants can make their own lanterns for the parade. The workshops will provide all the materials, and as much or as little instruction as required.  Adults, teenagers and families are all welcome. Those under 13 years old should be accompanied by an adult. There is a suggested donation of £5 per lantern.

The workshops take place on 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 29th and 30th November, and 3rd and 4th December 2014, at the Unitarian Church, Honey Hole Road in Todmorden.  There will also be performance workshops taking place with Andrew Kim of Thingumajig Theatre to help participants create short shadow puppet plays to be performed in windows or projected onto surprising places around Todmorden on the night of the festival.  These workshops take place on 25th and 27th November and 2nd and 4th December at the Handmade Parade workshop, Unit 5 Victoria Works Victoria Road, in Hebden Bridge.  These cost £15/£10 for adults and teens.

More info: handmadeparade.co.uk/lamplighter-festival and www.facebook.com/handmadeparade