Parade celebrates a decade of dazzling displays

Next month (Thursday 17th December) Caerphilly town centre will come to life as a 'river of light' flows through the streets to mark the 10th anniversary of the popular festive lantern parade.

The River of Light event attracts thousands of people of all ages who flock to the town centre to enjoy the colourful lantern parade and a spectacular firework display in the skies above Caerphilly Castle.

The whole community is being encouraged to take part in the parade this year and special lantern making workshops will take place in the run up to the event. People can go along to the free workshops on 28th & 29th November and the 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th December at Caerphilly Leisure Centre between 10am and 5pm.

The lanterns made at the workshops will then form part of the big event when the River of Light parade takes place on Thursday 17th December. This year's special anniversary event promises to be a fantastic end to Caerphilly county borough council's events programme for 2009.

As well as all the participants holding aloft their colourful hand made lanterns, the parade will also feature thunderous samba drummers, street dancers and giant sculptures. There will also be an opportunity to purchase and release a spectacular floating lantern before the firework display begins.

For more information about the event or the workshops please contact the Visit Caerphilly Centre on (029) 2088 0011 or go to http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/christmas/