Stars to open Telford and Wrekin Lantern Parade
Two Shropshire residents involved in this summer’s Olympics celebrations - Sarah Thomas and Connor Leese - will be special guests at the Telford and Wrekin Lantern Parade this Friday.
Sarah and Connor will be supporting the Mayor of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin, Councillor Malcolm Smith, to start the Parade.
The Lantern Parade is the launch event for The Games and Me programme of events and activities taking place across the borough from February to September to mark the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to the UK.
There will be lighting and sound effects along the route and a spectacular fireworks display to music to conclude the evening. Part of the route will be through the Maxell and Chelsea Gardens which will be specially lit for the event.
Lighting effects will be provided by Scadge Studios, a creative media company based in Hortonwood and Singing Tooth Productions - a Telford based theatre production company, as part of a sponsorship package to support the Lantern Parade
Sarah Thomas is an official Torchbearer for London 2012 and Connor is a Games and Me Champion for the West Midlands and an ambassador for The Games and Me Ambassador local programme of events.
Both will open the event with their story. Paul Shuttleworth from Radio Shropshire is hosting the event and will be talking to guests live on air (96FM) from 6pm.
The magical ‘torch’ lantern lit Parade begins at 6pm outside Southwater Square, Telford Town Park and finishes around 7.30pm. It will kick start a host of events and activities across the borough for the whole family during 2012.
These events are aimed at enticing everyone to have their own Games and Me experience for London 2012.
There is still one more workshop available for making a torch lantern to carry at the Parade on Friday 17 February. The workshop will take place from 1pm to 4pm in the Walker Room at Meeting Point House in Telford Town Centre.
All materials to make and decorate ‘torch’ lanterns will be provided free of charge and artists will be on hand to show people what to do. Please allow about one hour to make a torch lantern. Children must be accompanied by an adult to help them with this activity.
Cllr Arnold England, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Well-being, said: “We are proud and lucky to have Sarah Thomas and Connor Leese hosting our Lantern Parade in Telford, alongside the Mayor.
“Please do not miss this event. Everyone is welcome. The Park will come alive with light, sound and the magic of torch lanterns. This is a real family, fun evening and marks the start of a year of events that will bring culture, sport, dance and drama opportunities to everyone.
“Remember all to please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for the prevailing weather conditions. Depending on weather conditions, the route is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. ”
For further event information visit www.telford.gov.uk/lanternparade or email artsandculture@telford.gov.uk or call 01952 382366.
You will be given free battery powered lights for your lantern at the workshops only. Children must be accompanied by an adult at the workshops and the event.
If you have not had the chance to make a lantern, make your own at home but do not bring naked flames like candles. Please bring a torch or other battery powered lights.
Glow in the dark products will be on sale for anyone who hasn’t got a lantern, as well as hot drinks at the end of the route for people to purchase as they watch the fireworks.
