Free Corby lantern making workshops will be most illuminating

The young, the old and everyone else in between are being urged to join in the free lantern making workshops starting this weekend.

Once created, the colourful handmade lanterns will form part of a parade to flick the switch on the free festival.

Creative artists Same Sky will be leading the crafting events with opportunities for people to take part in 30-minute globe decorating or intensive two-hour lantern-making sessions using willow and tissue paper.

Marian Anderson, marketing and audience development officer for organisers Made In Corby, said: "The lanterns will be used in the magical illuminated walk following the Spark! drummers through the woods to the boating lake. There will be sculptures next to the path.

"We would really like people to join in and sign up for the free workshops

"There’s a choice of a 30-minute workshop to decorate a globe lantern or a more intensive two-hour workshop to learn how to make a willow lantern from scratch.

"We prefer you book online but if you are unable to, please call the office on 01536 267895."

People attending the two-hour workshops will use willow, tissue, glue and creativity to make a lantern to carry along the lit trail.

No previous experience is needed and those attending should wear old clothes in case they get messy.

Sessions take place on Saturday, February 1 at Stephenson Way Community Centre from 10am to 12 noon and with another session at the same venue from 1pm to 3pm.

On Sunday, February 2, Hazelwood Neighbourhood Centre will host two workshops the first from 10am to 12 noon and the other from 1pm to 3pm.

Another eight workshops will take place at The Core at the Corby Cube when members of the public can join a half-hour session to decorate globes ready for the parade.

On Tuesday, February 4, and Thursday, February 6, sessions take place at 4pm, 4.30pm, 5pm and 5.30pm - each lasting 30 minutes.

Click here to book your workshop.

Marian added: "Make your lantern, then bring it back to James Ashworth Square in Corby town centre on Friday, February 7 at 6pm to get involved.

"The parade will set off at 6.15pm led by the Spark! drummers through Same Sky‘s magical Mardi Gras iIlluminations in Thoroughsale woods to Corby Boating Lake."