The festive spirit will be flying high as the lantern festival marks the build up to ChristmasLantern parade in Tameside(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)

The highly anticipated Northern Lights Lantern Parade is set to make its return to Tameside this winter, marking the start of the festive celebrations.

The spectacular yearly event will come to Stalybridge on November 15, offering a free evening of sparkling culture and celebration, combining unforgettable lantern displays and vibrant performances to create an electric atmosphere.

Over the past few years, thousands of families have enjoyed extravagant displays in both Ashton and Hyde.

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Over seven thousand people turned out to be part of the celebrations in 2024. It was supposed to be held permanently in Ashton from 2023 following a decision from town hall bosses, but the ongoing town centre regeneration works meant the location was changed.

As always, the evening will also include local talent, dancers, and artists to help create a glowing spectacle that captures the spirit of the season. This year the parade will also be supported by festive-themed Stalybridge Street Fest, which has been moved to the Saturday.

The lantern parade held at a previous Christmas lights switch on event held in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside (Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Phot)

Local residents can get involved by attending lantern-making workshops during the October half term.

The sessions will take place in Stalybridge Civic Hall on Saturday, October 25, Monday, October 27 and Wednesday October 29 from 10.30am until 1pm and 2.30pm until 5pm. These creations will then be used to line the route and light the way for the parade.

The event will conclude with the switching on of Stalybridge’s Christmas tree lights.

Following the parade, Christmas celebrations will continue with events held across the borough throughout November and the beginning of December. Each of Tameside’s nine towns will host a festive event with music, food, and community, as they each turn on their Christmas tree lights.

Here is the dates for each town’s festive events:

  • Dukinfield: Friday, November 21
  • Denton: Saturday, November 22
  • Ashton-under-Lyne: Saturday, November 22
  • Audenshaw: Friday, November 28
  • Droylsden: Saturday, November 29
  • Hyde: Saturday, November 29
  • Hattersley: Friday, December 5
  • Mossley: Friday, December 5
  • Micklehurst: Saturday, December 6

Tameside council’s executive member for lifelong learning and culture, Coun Leanne Feeley, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the return of Tameside’s Lantern Parade to Stalybridge. Every year it delivers a wonderfully festive community celebration.

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“We want everyone to play a part in the parade whether it’s creating a lantern, being part of the parade performers or just coming along to enjoy and watch this amazing free event.

“It’s not to be missed and a truly brilliant evening that really highlights and honours the amazingly creative and cultural spirit of our borough.”