PICTURES: Magical Lantern Parade sees hundreds of residents light up town

Residents, both young and old, from across Warrington gathered on the streets, with each carrying specially crafted lanterns.

The theme of this year's parade was Dick Whittington to coincide with Parr Hall's festive pantomime and as part of the event Liverpool's Lantern Company wowed those in attendance with its large animal lanterns.

The magical parade set off from Queen's Gardens at 6.45pm and embarked on a softly-lit winter tour of the town centre concluding at Golden Square's Christmas village where there were a selection of stalls.

Each stall was brimming with festive activities for the whole family including Christmas carol singers, food and warm drinks.

The event, which was funded by the council and provided by Culture Warrington, is part of a multitude of Christmas events across Warrington this year.

Golden Square shopping centre director Ian Cox was one of many impressed by the radiant surroundings.

He said: "It was a really special occasion with all those lanterns weaving through the town centre into Golden Square and finishing in the Christmas village, where we had performers to entertain the crowds with some seasonal cheer.

"A lot of people took the opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping which all made for a really lovely festive atmosphere."

Cllr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture, added: "Investing in our Christmas events programme gives us opportunities to support the council's wider objectives and compliment other events that are taking place.

"Not only do we want to provide events for all to enjoy but we want to attract more residents and visitors into the town to boost the economy and see what else we have to offer."