BROMSGROVE families took the opportunity to light up a cold November evening last Saturday by taking part in the first Illuminate Lantern Parade.

More than 300 people joined the parade which snaked its way from High Street, where the market stalls stayed open late, to St John’s Church.

Many of them were carrying brightly decorated lanterns which they had made at family workshops run by Artrix Engagement which took place in schools and community venues.

The parade was a community event with participation from Meadows First School, Sidemoor First School and Catshill First School.

The St John’s Boys’ Brigade attended with their own lanterns alongside representatives from Bromsgrove library, the district council, and the Friends of St John’s Church.

Artrix Youth Theatre performed on High Street to start the event and everyone was treated to a hot chocolate and festive music from the Orchestra of St John once they arrived at the church.

An Artrix spokesman said: "This was a beautiful event and a lovely way to bring the community together. I hope we can make it happen every year and that it will become firmly established as part of Bromsgrove’s festive calendar."