Lantern making workshop

This popular event gives people the chance to design and make their own lanterns, which they can then use in the town's lantern parade on 4 December.

The cost of the workshop is just £2 and includes all materials, although the battery-operated LED lights are extra. The workshop runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm and is held at the Tithe Barn in Wellingborough (near Morrisons). Booking is advisable.

Sue Bull, the council's events and promotion manager, explains a bit more about the workshop: "People can make whatever they want, whatever their imaginations come up with - we've had robins, hearts, bells and even faces, but most people like traditional lanterns or stars. The first step is to make the frame from wicker, and then it's covered with coloured tissue paper and a battery torchlight put inside to light it up. They really do look quite spectacular. People can drop in to the workshop, but the longer they can stay the better the finished product, and we have artists on hand to offer help and advice."

Finished lanterns can be displayed during the town's lantern parade on 4 December, which starts an exciting evening of Christmas celebrations, celebrity guests and the switch on of the Christmas lights. The lanterns will be judged with a small prize for the winner. Sue explains more about what makes the parade special: "It's a very informal parade, people can let us know in advance or simply turn up on the day and they can have home-made or shop-bought lanterns. We meet at 5.45pm near the Swansgate Centre and make our way through the town and back into the centre. It's a really fun thing to do and gets everyone in a festive mood. I'd really encourage as many people as possible to take part so we can make it the biggest and best yet. If people aren't sure what's involved or don't have a lantern, then come along on Saturday to the workshop and we'll help you."

 To book a place or for more information, contact Sue or Melissa on 01933 231 824 or email events@wellingborough.gov.uk