A NUMBER of lantern making workshops have been organised ahead of two festive lantern parades in Douglas and Port St Mary.

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has organised the free workshops to help members of the public create willow lanterns.

Emma Callin, development manager for culture and arts for the department, explained: "People of any age can attend the workshops to make a lantern although children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

"Lanterns can be any shape and size and previous creations have been very imaginative and inventive from snowmen to fairies to spaceships - the sky's the limit.

"For those who have never made a willow lantern before there will be plenty of help at the workshops to show you how.

"People should come prepared to get messy - although aprons can be provided." 

The Douglas lantern making workshops will take place on November 12 and 13 and November 19 and 20 at the Youth Arts Centre on Kensington Road.

The Port St Mary lantern making workshops will take place on December 10 and 11 and December 17 and 18 at Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey.

The Douglas lantern parade will take place on Thursday, November 24, and will follow the official Christmas lights switch on.

It will start at 6.45pm on Nelson Street and will end in the Villa Marina Gardens where the Manx Youth Band will accompany carol singers. There will also be mulled wine and mince pies and a Wurlitzer concert in the Villa Marina arcade.

The Port St Mary lantern parade will coincide with Paddy's Christmas Market on Wednesday, December 21. Those wishing to take part should meet at 6.30pm at Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey.

For more information on the lantern workshops contact the Arts Office on 01624 694598 or visit www.iomarts.com.