SCORES of lanterns crafted into the shape of creatures paraded through the streets of Winchester as the Cathedral's annual lantern parade returned. 

The annual event is a big draw each year, attracting hundreds of people, and this year was no different, with scores of people packing into the start point, Winchester Cathedral. 

This year’s theme was Christmas creatures, and people did not disappoint with their entries, which included lanterns in the shapes of jellyfish, piranha, swordfish, dragons, penguins, and much more. 

A penguinA penguin (Image: Peter Nicholson)

After meeting at the cathedral, the night saw an evening of music, lanterns, and festive cheer - starting in the Cathedral Nave accompanied by live carol singing and festivities.

The parade then saw a glowing procession leave the Great West Doors and pass through the High Street, Buttercross, and Cathedral Grounds before it returned to the West Front of the Cathedral. 

The Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester, then selected three winning lanterns, with a prize for each winner. The winning lantern creator - who had made a reindeer - had the honour of switching on the Cathedral lights.

A spokesperson for Winchester Cathedral said: "It was wonderful to welcome hundreds of people to last night’s annual Lantern Parade. As always, the many hand-crafted lanterns were a delight to see. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, performed, or worked on the event – it was truly a special evening."

The parade left from the cathedral The parade left from the cathedral (Image: Peter Nicholson) Find out more and book on the Winchester Cathedral website winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/lantern-parade/ 

To see all the pictures from the event, taken by Chronicle photographer Peter Nicholson, click the top image.

 

@hampshire_chronicle Lantern Parade in Winchester #Hampshire ♬ The Polar Express - Main Theme by Alan Silvestri - Dominik Hauser