Town gears up for parade which heralds start of Christmas celebrations

Volunteers are getting ready for a Christmas spectacular

This year’s Tameside Christmas Lantern Parade is being held in Hyde town centre on Saturday, November 16, and the local community are gearing up for a fantastic event.

The parade lights up the borough and starts the countdown to Christmas in Tameside. 

The event is a combined team effort led by Tameside Council which brings together the collaborative talents of Global Grooves, Cabassa and No-Eyed Theatre and the local communities, residents and businesses and artists in a display of civic and local pride. 

Last year’s extravaganza in Ashton brought a stunning array of lanterns, puppets performers and music which entertained all ages with some great family fun with over nine thousand people joining in the fun on the night. 

This plan for this year will include many great local performers and there will be lots of opportunities to make lanterns and take part in the parade. 

Brand new sponsors Project Solar UK have also got on board and will be supporting this year’s event which is also being part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Hyde Accelerator Funding for High Streets.

Following the lantern parade there will be lots more community led Christmas celebration events in all the towns across the borough supported by the Council with everything from fairs, food, music, and fun for all ages which will help light up our towns for the festive season.

The dates for the events are as follows:

Tameside Council Assistant Executive Member - Culture, Heritage, Participation and Sport, Cllr Sangita Patel said: “Every year the Lantern Parade grows, and it is always fantastic to see so many people joining in and generating an utterly amazing community atmosphere which really showcases Tameside at its best. 

“The real beauty of this family friendly event is that everyone can play a part by joining in to help make lanterns, being part of the action or just by coming to watch the dazzling displays lighting up the town.”

“Our festive events really highlight all of our unique towns, which all bring their own unique and vibrant character to the makeup of Tameside while ensuring that everyone can share in the festive spirit and pride in supporting their local community event and their town centres.”