By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
THE Belgrave Lantern Parade returned for a ninth consecutive year to celebrate the winter solstice on 20 June.
Marina Dennis, of the event management team for the parade, said there were estimates of up to 8000 to 10,000 attendees.
There were many new lanterns that appeared, and lots of families and community groups brought lanterns to the parade.
“The parade is designed to celebrate the winter solstice and the community spirit, and it really archives what it sets out to do,” Mrs Dennis said.
“This celebration really brings the community together.”
Parade organiser for five years Renate Crow said it felt as if the parade had more and more variety every year.
“It’s always a surprise, and we are always learning along the way” she said.
Local hills band Daisy West, described as “the best band in the hills” by lantern artist Glenn Scolyer, was great with spectators.
“Daisy West was a hit, and we also had fire twirling and belly dancing in the parade,” Mrs Dennis said.
“We had Rudy the one man band who carries all his music with him. We had Brenna Dixon from Gemco with story time after the parade which is great for the kids before they go home,” she said.
Parade co-ordinators and artists say they are consistently impressed with the range of lanterns that make up the parade.
“It was quite a peaceful and beautiful event,” Mrs Dennis said.
There was more than just the parade as well; local businesses extended their trading hours and Mount Burnett observatory set up a telescope at St Thomas More Primary School for people to view the clear night sky.
“The general feeling among traders is this is such a suitable event for Belgrave and fits with the vibe,” Mrs Dennis said.
“There has never been two (parades) the same” Mr Scolyer said.
Gareth Hart from Burrinja was the official event manager for the parade, his first time in this role.
“It just went smoothly, and he was brilliant,” Mrs Dennis said.
“He was our man and did a fantastic job.”
