A LANTERN procession through Bromsgrove High Street was held to mark the 10th anniversary of a town arts centre.

After months of preparation celebrations to mark Artrix's anniversary were a success as representatives from various groups, who had made lanterns, brought them along to the procession held on Saturday, April 25.

Among the organisations who took part are Avoncroft, Bromsgrove Library, Dodford First, Fairfield First and Meadow First schools, Glamba, Heart of Worcestershire College students, Someone at the Door, Lickey, Barnt Green and Cofton Hackett brownies and guides and YMCA youth club.

Town crier Kevin Ward also attended.

The procession left High Street at 8.30pm and created a river of light all the way from High Street to the School Drive-based venue.

At 9pm outdoor experts Walk the Plank began their performance of Spellbound on the Artrix's terrace.

Performers used Bharata Natyam, a traditional Indian dance, while there were fireworks throughout and a three minute display at the end, which included flares on the Artrix building.

The performance was supported by Bromsgrove District Council, Arts Council England’s strategic touring programme, the Elmley Foundation, Saintbury Trust, Heart of Worcestershire College and Walk The Plank.

Ros Robins, Artrix's director, said: "We’d like to thank everyone for the incredible support we have had for our 10th birthday celebrations including local businesses, supporters and residents and all who took part in the lantern parade and came along to watch the performance.

"I would particularly like to thank staff, volunteers and the Walk the Plank team who worked so hard to ensure everything went off smoothly.

"It was a fantastic evening and we raised almost £700 in donations towards our 10th birthday appeal which is a wonderful way for us to begin our next decade."

Culture secretary Sajid Javid said: "It was an honour to speak at Artrix's 10th birthday celebrations.

"Local culture plays a vital role in uniting the community, breaking down barriers and bringing new opportunities. Artrix has been an encouragement to many of us here in Bromsgrove and I was proud to help towards securing funding for its future.

"The centre has also been a great inspiration to me as Secretary of State to ensure that culture is open to all.

"The lantern procession, performances and fireworks made a spectacular sight celebrating Artrix's first successful decade in our town and its bright future ahead. Thank you to the staff, volunteers and all the performers who helped make it such a proud night for Bromsgrove."