Lanterns light longest night

The Brass Harpies with their steampunk inspire lantern.

By Derek Schlennstedt

Even though it was a cold night, the Belgrave Lantern Parade warmed the hearts of those who attended.

Thousands of residents from the Dandenong Ranges and surrounds took to the streets of Belgrave to show off their homemade lanterns and celebrate the winter solstice.

The 13th annual lantern parade was nothing short of dazzling and thousands of glittering lanterns, bright lights and radiant fire-twirlers lit up the smiling, glowing faces of those who came to celebrate.Lanterns in the shape of a TARDIS and a Dalek from the television show Doctor Who were among the creations and other lanterns represented fauna common to the Dandenong Ranges.

‘Mail’ journalist Derek Schlennstedt was on-hand to capture all the action.