Lanterns are ready to be reserved for the event that has become known as the ‘start of Christmas’ for many in Durham.
The Children’s Lantern Procession is one of the highlights of Durham Christmas Festival, which runs in the city from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd December. As dusk falls on the Saturday of the festival, more than 300 children will once again carry their glowing lanterns in procession from the Market Place to Durham Cathedral where they will participate in the St Nicholas Service.
Colin Wilkes, Managing Director of Durham Markets Company, which organises Durham Christmas Festival together with Durham University, said: “The Lantern Procession is a festive favourite for many families with young children leading the way up to the Cathedral. It’s made all the more Christmassy by the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band playing carols both in the Market Place as the procession leaves and to welcome everyone to Palace Green. Families have returned year after year to enjoy this procession, and we hear many saying that for their family it means Christmas is here.”
The Lantern Procession takes place on Saturday 2nd December 2017, leaving the Market Place at 3.45pm, arriving at Durham Cathedral in time for the St Nicholas Service at 4.10pm. Approximately 100 children from Durham Mini Police will be escorting the parade which will be led by Mrs Sue Snowden, the Lord-Lieutenant, Cllr Katie Corrigan, Deputy-Mayor of Durham, and Alfie Joey from BBC Newcastle Breakfast Show.
Lanterns can be reserved for £5 by following the link on www.durhamchristmasfestival.com website. They are allocated on a ‘first come first served basis’. On Saturday 2nd December, the lanterns with battery operated candles can be collected from the Market Place from 2.30pm, and the children keep their lantern after the procession. Whilst the lanterns are considered to be for children up to age 12, the lantern procession and service in the Cathedral are open to all.
Colin added: “Another treat is our fire-eating performance which is performed on Palace Green by the Luna Tricks performers as the children leave the St Nicholas Service. We’re planning our biggest and most exciting fire-eating performance yet for this year, a fitting end to a wonderfully festive event in Durham.”