A thousand people created a magical spectacle of light in Wrexham.
They joined the Frosty Lantern Parade to mark the culmination of the town’s Year of Culture, sponsored by the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.
Leading the way was the man of the moment, Santa Claus, who arrived at Eagles Meadow.
His reindeer were given the night off so Santa’s sleigh was pulled by three Great Pyrenean Mountain Dogs.
The shopping centre was packed to the rafters with excited children, parents and grandparents as the parade got underway.
Father Christmas himself led the parade and, while his reindeer were given the night off as they prepare for their busiest night of the year, his sleigh was pulled by three Great Pyrenean Mountain dogs.
Community arts organisation, Arts Connection, worked alongside Wrexham County Borough Council to run lantern making workshops at schools and community groups ahead of the parade.
Sian Walters of Arts Connection, said: “We also worked with home education and toddler groups as well as community groups such as Cai Park.
“It’s been fantastic and very rewarding. There are more than 300 children taking part in the parade all carrying their own lanterns. And with parents and grandparents there must be close to a 1,000 taking part in what is a spectacular event.”
One of the workshops was held at Eagles Meadow, the main sponsor of the Year of Culture.
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley said: “The lantern parade was a spectacular success and Eagles Meadow has never looked so beautiful.”
Ysgol Bodhyfrydd pupils, Sophie Laing, 10, and her brother Ieuan, seven, of Acton, made their lantern. One was shaped like a Christmas tree and the other like a snowman.
Their mum, Ruth Laing, said her children were really looking forward to taking part in the parade.
She said: “Sadly we missed out last year so were determined to be here this time around. The children are really excited about the event. There is a really nice festive atmosphere here at Eagles Meadow.”
Hollie Tattum, 10, and sister, Mia Tattum, seven, of Wrexham made their lanterns at a workshop held at Eagles Meadow on the Saturday before the parade.
Their mum, Emma Tattum, said: “Both girls are really looking forward to taking part in the parade and are very proud of their lanterns.
“Hollie attends St Giles Primary School while Mia attends the Hearing Impaired Unit at Borras Park. This is the start of Christmas as far as they are concerned.”
Margaret Knew took her seven-year-old daughter Isobel along to the parade after she made her lantern at Victoria Infant School.
Margaret said: “Isobel is very excited and wants to see the snow dogs. This is a really fabulous event and the lanterns look so spectacular. The atmosphere here at eagles meadow is wonderful.”
Cai Williams, seven, of New Broughton made a star shaped lantern at Alexandra Street School.
Mum Maria Gibson, said: “What a wonderful event. Cai has thoroughly enjoyed it. There is a real community feel to the parade and everyone is having a good time.”
Another Alexandra Street School pupil, Macey Gillanders, four, went to the parade with her dad, Gary Torrence.
Gary said: “Macey is really looking forward to seeing Father Christmas and his snow dogs. She made her own lantern and is very proud of it.“
Millie Pemberton, eight, who attends Rhosddu County Primary School, also made her lantern at the workshop held in Eagles Meadow.
Her mum Nicola Pemberton said: “It’s a fabulous event and really gets you in the Christmas spirit, especially with the brass band playing festive tunes.
“Millie enjoyed making her lantern. In fact seeing all the lanterns together is really spectacular. We have really enjoyed coming to Eagles Meadow to take part in the parade.”
Stephanie Clark and Emma Slawson took along their children, Ruby Clark, five, Delilah Clark, two, and Lauren Slawson, five, who all attend St Mary’s Primary School Ruabon.
Stephanie said: “They made their lanterns at school. The parade is magical and amazing and something the children will remember for ages.”
Emma Slawson agreed, she said: “It really has got Christmas underway somehow. The lanterns look brilliant especially all together around the Eagles meadow Christmas tree. We have really enjoyed the whole event.”
The dogs pulling Santa’s sleigh, Ruby, Crystal and Sampson, are owned by Janet Hernon, of Manchester who said she was impressed by the community spirit and atmosphere at the Wrexham Year of Culture event.
She said: “It has been absolutely brilliant. The children are so well behaved and its lovely to see them here at Eagles Meadow so excited with all their lanterns.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in what has been a wonderful event and look forward to coming back to Wrexham again.”
