Eight hundred join Lantern Walk through Southwell

About 800 people took part in an annual Lantern Walk based on the theme Dashing Through the Snow from the grounds of Southwell Minster on Saturday.

Handbell ringers provided entertainment as families gathered outside the cathedral.

Prior to the event, organised and run by Southwell Town Council, a workshop was led by a professional artist to make six reindeer and Santa in his sleigh, which led the parade.

Events and tourism co-ordinator Honor Dunkley visited Lowe’s Wong infants’ and juniors and Holy Trinity infants’ schools, Southwell, and Halam Primary School to help produce more than 300 willow illuminated snowballs to line the route.

There were also larger lanterns made by community groups.

Honor said it was great to see so many people, ranging from young families to grandparents.

Many watched it pass by at various points along the walk.

It ended at Minster School with carols accompanied by the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band.

“People love the sense of community, family and non-commercialised nature of this event,” said Honor.

“They like to hear about the theme and then see all the imagination and creativity that goes into making the lantern display.