SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Chester displayed their handmade lanterns last night (Thursday, November 28) as the annual Lantern Parade was held in the city centre.

The event, which included children from eleven primary schools, left Town Hall Square at 7pm, taking in St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street and Northgate Street.

Local artist Russell Kirk visited Mill View Primary, Hoole Primary, The Firs, Upton Westlea Primary, Belgrave Primary and Tarporley Primary in the run-up to the parade, hosting a series of workshops for the children to help them create their lanterns.

The Lantern Parade is one part of Chester’s Christmas celebrations that include the Christmas market in Town Hall Square, Chester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival, Santa’s Grotto in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Town Hall and Grosvenor Museum, Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse, The Winter Watch Parade (December 5) and the combined Saturnalia and Winter Watch Parade (December 12).

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Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Last night’s Christmas Lantern Parade was a sparkling spectacle.

"Thank you to the hundreds of children and parents who joined what was the largest Lantern Parade we’ve seen.

"Eleven schools took part, carrying their hand made lanterns through the city centre. The parade completely filled Eastgate Street before taking over Watergate Street and Bridge Street.

"Our next festive parade in Chester is the Winter Watch Parade on Thursday 5 December starting at 7pm.”