Hundreds turn out for Telford & Wrekin lantern parade
Two Shropshire residents involved in this summer’s Olympics celebrations were special guests at the Telford and Wrekin Lantern Parade last night.
Sarah Thomas, from Shrewsbury an official Torchbearer for London 2012 and Connor Leese a Games and Me Champion for the West Midlands supported the Mayor of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin, Councillor Malcolm Smith, in starting the Parade.
The Lantern Parade, the launch event for The Games and Me programme kicked off a number of events and activities scheduled to take place across the borough from February to September to mark the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to the UK.
Those taking part on the parade had created lanterns during a number of workshops held by Telford & Wrekin Council leading up to the event.
Mayor Malcolm Smith, who opened the event, said: “Around 1000 people attended the Lantern Parade and the atmosphere was amazing. The bright, decorative lanterns, made at workshops across the borough, lit up the skyline and were so bright and colourful. They added to the magic of walking through the Park’s gardens that were too lit up by Scadge Studios.
"It was a very special evening for young and old alike. Everyone there commented on what a real Wow factor the event had.
“The fireworks at 7pm danced to music by Jubilee which was electric. It made it extra special.”
Families from across the borough of Telford & Wrekin turned out last night to take part in the parade which was lit with special lighting along with sound effects.
The lighting was provided by Scadge Studios, a creative media company based in Hortonwood and Singing Tooth Productions – a Telford based theatre production company.
A laser show also lit up Withywood Pool in Telford Town Park with a firework display bringing the evening to a close.
The parade and other organised events are aimed at enticing everyone to have their own Games and Me experience for London 2012.
