Stunning lantern parade will take place through Banbury - find out how you can join in

Castle Quay in Banbury has teamed up with the Banbury BID to celebrate the shortest day of the year with a community event.

They’re inviting local children to join them from 10am – 3pm, on Saturday 14th, Friday 20th or Saturday 21st December to create their own lantern at their craft workshops.

Workshops will take place at The Imagination Station opposite Tiger at Castle Quay and are free to participate. Once complete, children will be able to take their lantern away to enjoy at home.

Then, from 5pm on Sunday 22nd December families are invited back to Castle Quay to celebrate the Winter Solstice with live music and festive cheer as they parade their lanterns through Castle Quay and around Banbury.

Lanterns will then be displayed in Castle Quay after the event.

Rebecca Deeley, Retail Liaison Manager at Castle Quay Shopping Centre said, “We wanted to bring the Banbury community together to create a unique and memorable event in the run up to Christmas that everyone can have a hand in. We hope that everyone enjoys making their lanterns and celebrating with us on 22nd December.

"Parking at Castle Quay costs just £1 all day on Sundays, so it’s the perfect opportunity to finish off any last minute Christmas preparations and get together with family and friends to start the season’s celebrations."