Leeds set for magical evening at stunning Christmas lantern parade

A spellbinding Christmas lantern parade will weave through the streets of Leeds next week, led by a giant festive reindeer and a beautiful illuminated owl.

The parade is one of the showpiece events in the city’s Magical Leeds campaign and takes place on Saturday, December 12 from 5.30pm.

As well as Ronnie the giant reindeer and a stunning white owl, the parade will include the Snow Queen, winter wonderland birds and a procession of hand-crafted candle lanterns, all accompanied by the sound of Yorkshire’s New York Brass Band performing a selection of Christmas favourites.

The spectacular parade will start from Kirkgate Market, ending at Victoria Gardens at approximately 6.15pm where there will be a performance of Halo Glow Show by Flame Oz, an explosive visual act featuring a combination of acrobats, glowing LED hula hoops and juggling clubs.

Guests at Victoria Gardens can enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine and sample some of the festive food stalls.

Before the event, face painting and live reindeers will be at Kirkgate Market until 4pm and people can then gather at the George Street entrance to the outdoor market for the start of the parade at 5pm.

Ahead of the parade, lantern workshops this coming weekend will give families a chance to create their own special lantern to carry at next week's event.

These will take place at Leeds Town Hall Crypt on Saturday, December 5 from 10am until 1pm and 2pm until 5pm then again on Sunday, December 6 from 10am until 1pm then 2pm until 5pm.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Leeds has really started to feel festive now that the countdown to Christmas has begun, and I’m sure this beautiful lantern parade will be a wonderful addition to the huge programme of events we have across the city.

“It’s always lovely to see people coming into the city centre, celebrating together with their families, and it really helps everyone to get into the spirit of the season.”

To sign up to one of the lantern workshops please visit: http://magical-leeds-free-lantern-workshops.eventbrite.co.uk and for more on the event visit: http://bit.ly/whatsonleeds

If you are unable attend one of the workshops, there will also be a limited number of lanterns to borrow on the day on a first come first served basis.

Magical Leeds features a number of special events and activities including the annual Christkindelmarkt on Millennium Square and is part of a wider three-year strategy to raise the profile of the city, increase visitor numbers and encourage overnight stays over the festive period.

To find out more about Magical Leeds, please see http://bit.ly/whatsonleeds

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk