Liverpool to light up the sky

Published by Roisin Rowley-Smith for Riverside in Housing and also in Communities, Education

 People from all over Liverpool will take centre stage this weekend as they carry their hand-made lanterns through Sefton Park for the annual Halloween Lantern Carnival.

The Lantern Company held workshops across the city from Anfield to Aigburth to encourage families to get involved in what has become one of the highlights in Liverpool’s social calendar.

To help cover the costs, they asked for a £7 contribution towards materials, but as housing association Riverside donated £2,000 towards the workshops, their tenants were invited to take part for free.

Mark Browne, Riverside’s Community Investment Officer, said: “Funding is always tight but it’s such a popular parade that we didn’t want to see the disappointing situation we were in a few years ago where it had to be cancelled.”

Wavertree resident, Hayley Collins, and her four year old daughter Alexandra (pictured) attended the Everton workshop.  Hayley said:  “This is the fourth year I’ve taken part in the lantern parade.  Alexandra made her first lantern last year.  She loves it.”

Mark added:  “It is widely recognised that culture and the arts is a powerful way to enrich people’s lives. Participation can have positive effects in terms of learning new skills, increasing confidence and well-being and promoting community cohesion and creative celebration.”

The Halloween Lantern Carnival takes place in Sefton Park on Sunday (28 October). For more information visit www.lanterncompany.co.uk