"The light we find to fight off the dark" - Fabulous Fratton Lantern Parade makes a return this week - details and route
Colourful lights will fill Fratton on Friday evening when the fabulous community lantern parade makes a return.
The parade will take place down Fratton Road towards St Mary’s Church on November 14 as part of Fratton Together’s 12th annual Festival of Lights which will be filled with lanterns made by local residents at a number of workshops over the past month - as well as battery-powered ones they have made at home.
Inspired by Portsmouth Creates’ “In Our Words” campaign, each lantern has been influenced by ideas of literature, literacy, and storytelling.
The procession will be led by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and the Batala Samba Band, who will provide a joyous marching beat. Upon arrival at St Mary’s Church, there will be various performances from local performing groups, including the Portsmouth Academy Dance Company and St Mary’s Church choir. The evening will end with a performance by Batala Samba Band.
Anna Potten, Fratton Together’s events organiser, said: “We have been particularly pleased with this year’s lantern making . Lots of people who have seen the parade before but never got involved have attended.
“We were particularly pleased to welcome students from Portsmouth Academy for the first time, who helped to create large lanterns as part of the Portsmouth Creative Educational Partnership’s “Under One Banner” project.”
The Venerable Bob White, chair of Fratton Together and vicar at St Mary’s Church, added: “As the winter nights draw in, Fratton’s Festival of Lights is an excellent reminder that the light we find to fight off the dark comes from our neighbours and our friends. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone in another celebration of the special community that surrounds Fratton.”
The parade will start at the Victory Business Centre (PO1 1PJ) at 7pm and head down Fratton Road before finishing at St Mary’s Church. Rolling road closures will be in place as needed.