By Derek Schlennstedt
Now is the time to start making your own lanterns to be a part of the 13th annual Belgrave Lantern Parade on Saturday, 22 June.
Each year, Belgrave Main Street is reclaimed by the people with thousands flocking to take part in one of the best and biggest community-made spectacles.
Lantern crew member, Renate Crow said this year’s festival will continue to build on that community spirit and said many older lanterns will be making a comeback.
“The enthusiasm for the Lantern Festival is quite magnetic and it makes people happy,” she said,
“Even though it’s dark and cold, there’s this glow on the town and on the faces of the people.
“We’ll have many of our old favourites; the lyrebird and powerful owls and the owl and pussycat.”
In its 13 years, the festival has become a firm fixture of the hills calendar and while aspects of the event have changed, Renate said their still remains enduring lanterns from the very first year.
“Mr Radiance will be coming out who is the first original lantern … it’s magnificently painted and a beautiful happy face.”
“A lot of hours go into maintaining Mr Radiance and the older lanterns, but we’ve always got new ones coming in.”
For those wanting to make their own lanterns, workshops are taking place in the lead-up to the event and the last unbooked workshop is on 15 June.
Don’t despair if you can’t attend though, as Ms Crow said there are all sorts of creative lanterns that can be made from items around the house.
“You can use sticks from then garden or bamboo stakes, then some grease proof paper and diluted PVA glue to cover it.”
“Make sure there’s candle space, or you can use battery lights too.
“Milk bottles and yoghurt containers are really cool ones too … you can do anything just get creative with what you have at home.”
This year there’s also the chance to become involved in the festival.
The entire festival is community run and and Ms Crow told the Mail that volunteers were a vital role in ensuring the event runs smoothly.
“If you love it, maybe think about jumping on board and becoming part of the team … the entire event is a community effort and it would be good to get some new ideas and see some fresh faces on the team.”
Volunteer jobs can include; carrying lanterns, parade guide and helping with signage and there are also opportunities to help with building the lanterns. To become a volunteer you can go to; https://bit.ly/2QU6jVL
Activities start from 5:00pm with the Parade scheduled to begin at 5:30. The road is expected to be closed from 5pm onwards with detours in place.
For those travelling up the mountain taking public transport will minimise parking problems and people are also urged to bring keep cups and dispose of any rubbish following the event.
Hayes Car Park will be closed on the day to set up the community village space and there will be plenty of activities taking place, before, during and after including the Light and Lantern Film Festival at the Cameo.
“Put on your beanie, come along and be illuminated,” Ms Crow said.
