THE end product of an exciting set of lantern building workshops in Ellesmere will be seen at the town's Winter Festival on Friday.

Preparations for the lantern procession, as part of the Winter Festival which will start from 4pm on Friday, began last week when the Community Arts Group held two workshops at the town hall for people to make their own lanterns to carry in the procession.

Mirjana Garland, this year’s procession co-ordinator, said the two workshops were very popular and was looking forward to the day.

"We know around 50 lanterns were made over the course of the two workshops, held on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon," said Mirjana.

"We think Friday is going to be really amazing.”

Anna Hayes, organiser of the workshops, added: "People could choose to make either a wrapped present or a star.

"They were decorated with bows and festive designs and all materials were provided by the arts group.

"Expert tuition and individual help were given by a team of Fizzgig members."

As well as those made by members of the community, the procession will include newly-built large lanterns crafted by members of Fizzgigs.

Some will require several people to carry them while the cavalcade will be accompanied by Fizzgigs’ musicians.

Santa Claus will be arriving at The Wharf by narrowboat around 6pm and will then be paraded through the town to his grotto in a special, newly-created magical conveyance.

The procession is only one of many Christmas offerings as part of the town’s Winter Festival.

The event also includes carols around the Tree of Light in the main square, a variety of craft stalls in the Market Hall, seasonal food stalls and late-night opening by the town’s shops.