Ashbourne Lanterns Light Up Christmas Night

Ashbourne is set to host its annual Christmas Lantern Spectacular, a beloved town tradition. This year's event will feature a vibrant parade with hundreds of intricately crafted willow and paper lanterns, transformed into a variety of characters. From fantastical dragons to charming gingerbread men and playful mice, a total of 300 illuminated figures will light up the night.

The spectacular procession is scheduled to begin at 18:30 GMT this Friday, departing from St Oswald's Church. Volunteers, including schoolchildren and trainees, have been working since October to create the new lanterns, while many are stored and reused annually. The parade aims to foster a strong sense of community and holiday spirit.

The lantern characters will journey through Ashbourne, culminating at the marketplace Christmas tree around 19:00. Here, the town will gather for a joyous carol service. To ensure public safety and smooth passage for the parade, significant road closures will be implemented along the route from 17:00 until approximately 20:30.