Fantastic lantern parade
Hundreds of people braved the wintery weather for this year’s Torchlight Procession.
Once again local children had made beautiful lanterns – this year the theme was Cinderella, and she, Prince Charming, the golden carriage and an assortment of shoes, mice and candles paraded down Queen Street before congregating in the Town Square.
Many shops and cafes were open, and despite the freezing wet weather, organisers say more people than ever attended this year’s Christmas Lights switch-on. Florence Angus of Amble Christmas Lights Committee was delighted with the event. “It was absolutely brilliant. I was amazed at the number of people who turned out on the night. All the work the children put in, it just gets bigger and better every year. I want to thank everybody – especially the lads who work all year round, and our main fundraisers, The Dock, Pier81, the Quayside Chippy, they raise money for us all year round. Thanks also to Amble Development Trust and Amble Town Council – and of course the community. We definitely have community spirit here in Amble.
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Ann Burke from The Flower Centre said “It was a fantastic parade – I just wish it hadn’t rained. But it was a lovely night, it was nice to see so many people on the street.”
This year Santa met local children at Spurreli’s ice cream parlour. Katie Spurr, co –owner of Spurreli’s said “I thought it was fantastic, it was so festive, it was fab! It was lovely to have Santa in his grotto here. With the children and their parents, there must have been about 300 people queuing. We put some Christmas films on and the little children crowded around. Everyone was in great spirits.”
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Sara Jenson-Boon of Coquet Partnership Extended Services had organised the lantern making workshops and was full of praise for the number of people who turned out in such cold and wintry weather. “Thanks to everyone who came along to the parade and to all the workshops both in and out of school.” She said “I also want to thank the Dad’s group who made all the snowflakes and Cinderella’s castle. Thanks to everyone who supported us, it was fantastic.”
Julia Aston, Director of Amble Development Trust said “The weather rained on our parade, but it didn’t dampen spirits! I was very happy with the way things went, and as long as the bairns enjoyed themselves. I’d like to thank everybody; the Christmas Lights Committee, Coastguard, Round Table and Sara Jenson-Boon, thanks to everyone for all they did to make it a really good community event.”
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