Candles mark longest night

By Casey Neill
BELGRAVE is set to shine with thousands expected to take to the streets for the second annual lantern parade on Saturday.
The theme for this year’s winter solstice celebration, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, is Ripples and Reflections.
The Belgrave Community Arts Partnership event, dubbed Shining Our Light, will feature haiku poetry, the Mater Christi rock band, examples of the Tibetan Buddhist art of sand mandalas and more.
“Shining Our Light is a celebration of our rich and diverse creative community, bringing harmonious warmth to the streets of Belgrave in the midst of winter,” Burrinja executive officer Ross Farnell said.
The inaugural parade last year, themed Magical Mountain Lights, saw more than 2000 people line Belgrave’s main street.
Event spokeswoman Shakti McLaren said organisers aimed to build on the success of last year.
“It’s not about ‘let’s get more numbers’, but ‘lets get everyone more involved creatively’,” she said.
Lantern and singing workshops have been held in the lead up to the event.
Ms McLaren said encouraged people to plan creative costumes for the night. “This is a family event that brings together people of all ages in a wonderful community arts event that acknowledges our unique environment and the seasons,” Ms McLaren said.
Lanterns feature heavily in Asian, European and African culture. The lantern is said to represents community optimism and hope throughout the world.
A range of activities will be held in the Belgrave township precinct from 3pm, with the parade itself to begin at 5.30pm.
To get involved in the event or for more information, contact Belgrave Community Arts Partnership by emailing create@belgravearts.com.