Scarborough Sparkle festival returns with lantern parade
Festive fun kicks off with North Yorkshire Council’s winter wonderland event
Scarborough Sparkle is set to return tonight, bringing festive cheer to the town.
The winter festival, organised by North Yorkshire Council, will run from Friday, 28th November, to Sunday, 30th November at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
The festival will launch with a lantern parade led by Animated Objects and local community groups in Peasholm Park at 5:30pm on the Friday evening.
Councillor Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, said: “Scarborough Sparkle is a magical and enchanting wonderland, sure to get everybody into the festive spirit and offers entertainment for people of all ages.
“With an array of independent traders selling their products, it’s the perfect place to dive into the festive spirit and get a head start on Christmas shopping.”
A free bus service will operate on Saturday and Sunday, offering a return route from Eastfield through Crossgates, Falsgrave, and Scarborough town centre before arriving at Peasholm Park. The North Bay Railway will also transport visitors directly to the event.
Claire Barber, headteacher of St Martin's Primary School, expressed excitement ahead of her school choir's performance: “We are busy rehearsing and getting our performance ready for this fantastic event.
“The lantern parade is a special feature for us and the children can't wait to wrap up warm, add their glowing lights, and take in the wonder that is Scarborough Sparkle.”
Animated Objects has coordinated the lantern parade for its ninth year, collaborating with community groups on creative workshops. Artistic director Lee Threadgold highlighted the scope of this year’s Twelve Days of Christmas-themed lanterns:
“There’s an abundance of creativity and fantastic community work going on across Scarborough and it’s great to be able to celebrate this as part of the weekend.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in our workshop sessions over the last few months to make this one of the most colourful parades yet.”
Scarborough Sparkle will run from 5pm to 9pm on Friday, 28th November, from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, 29th November, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, 30th November.