More than 1,200 people took to the streets of Ruthin to celebrate the start of the festive season with a flickering procession of 300 lanterns.
Led by a giant ‘Rudolph’ reindeer lantern pulling Father Christmas’ sleigh, children and adults walked together, carrying glowing handmade lanterns, from the town’s historic gaol to its picturesque square.
The lanterns were all crafted by local school children and community groups in a series of workshops organised by Ruthin Forward and funded by Cadwyn Clwyd and Ruthin Town Council.
At the square the community were greeted with a hog roast, mulled wine and mince pies, a Christmas market, fireworks and Santa himself. Led by Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year Ysgol Pen Barras and St Peter’s Church Choir, the crowd joined in traditional carols before the mayor switched on the Christmas lights.
Ruthin Forward event organiser Ron Bell said: “This is our first lantern procession and we couldn’t have asked for better support from the community. I have to thank all the volunteers, businesses and individuals who have pulled together to create such an atmospheric and good natured, family event.”
The workshops, led by artists Ben Davis and Judith Wood from Corwen, took place throughout November, involving primary and secondary schools from the town, youth groups and residential homes.
For more information on the lantern procession and pictures from the evening go to the Ruthin Forward website: www.ruthinforward.co.ukor on the Ruthin Forward Facebook page www.facebook.com/ruthinforward.
Photograph courtesy of Pete Owens www.peteowensimages.co.uk
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