Report: Ulverston Lantern Parade 2011 (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Report: Ulverston Lantern Parade 2011

4:32pm Sunday 18th September 2011 in Shows & fairs By Kate Proctor, Reporter

THOUSANDS caught a lucky break in the weather to see Ulverston's annual Lantern Parade in all its glory yesterday.

Torrential downpours earlier in the morning looked set to threaten the event.

However, by the parade's 7.45pm kick off, clear skies saw spectators take to the streets.

This year's Viking theme had clearly captured the imaginations of children and adults who had spent the past week making the lanterns and illuminated helmets, long boats and horse heads were paraded through the town centre.

Accompanied by samba drummers, the procession created an incredible sight as it weaved its way around the town before heading to Ford Park for the finale.

There a Viking theatrical piece was enacted for the crowds and dozens of spectacular fireworks lit up the sky above the town's Hoad monument.

Onlooker Tom Francis said: "The parade was really impressive and with the roads closed and everyone out on the streets the place had a European feel that you don't often see in this country.

"Ulverston clearly has a wonderful sense of community spirit as so many people came out to see the event."

Lanterns giving out information on the Anthony Nolan blood cancer charity were also in the parade as well as objects from terminally ill local schoolgirl Alice Pyne's 'bucket list'.

Yet organisers said fewer lanterns had been made this year with just 300 on show, compared to last year's 800.