Buckley 'Light Up Our Town' lantern parade a success

Buckley's town centre came alive with a Lantern Parade, organised by community café Refurbs Buckley. With funding support from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and Flintshire County Council, the event was a celebration of the town's heritage and community spirit, through creativity and sustainability.

The Buckley 'Light Up Our Town' lantern parade.

The parade showcased handcrafted lanterns, including symbols of Buckley's heritage - a buck and a clock - created by artist Zoe Matthews. Adding to the display were national Welsh symbols like a dragon and a daffodil, along with a great crested newt, which reflects the growing local population. Buckley Cross Methodist Church opened its hall to Zoe for the lantern crafting and welcomed visitors to drop in and witness the creative process.

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In the lead-up to the event, Refurbs Buckley organised lantern-making workshops across the community, reaching more than 400 participants, bringing together people of all ages from schools, craft groups, care homes, and libraries. Participants used recycled materials to create their own unique lanterns to carry in the parade.

The Buckley 'Light Up Our Town' lantern parade.

Organisers thanked the many volunteers who helped make the event possible, as well as to the Buckley Veterans and Cadets, St John Ambulance, Cambrian Marching Band, and Refurbs Buckley café staff for their support.

The festivities began with children's entertainment from HTC Entertainment and Events and music by ORB Sound and Lighting. Visitors enjoyed hot chocolates from the café before ensuring their lanterns were lit and ready to brighten the parade route through the town centre. Mayor Emma Preece officially opened the parade at 6pm, setting off from Refurbs Buckley on Brunswick Road. The procession followed a short route through Precinct Way, Padeswood Road North and Padeswood Road before looping back to the starting point.

The Buckley 'Light Up Our Town' lantern parade.

Cllr Preece, who attended the parade with fellow Buckley Town Council members, said: "The Buckley 'Light Up Our Town' lantern parade was a tremendous success, truly embodying the spirit of our community. It was wonderful to see families, friends, and local groups come together, lighting up the town with creativity and unity. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who participated and helped make this evening unforgettable."

Amanda Barr, volunteer coordinator and events lead, added: "It was wonderful to see Buckley town centre bustling with life and smiles as the community came together with their families and friends for the parade.

"We received great support from local organisations who volunteered their time to help marshal and be our lantern bearers on the night."