The fantastic Northern Lights Christmas Lantern Parade will light the way and mark the start of the winter festivities on Saturday 19th November 2022, this year the honour goes to Ashton, with Denton, Stalybridge and Hyde holding the event in previous years as part of the council’s vibrant programme of cultural events.

Northern Lights will also herald the start of the community led Christmas Light Switch on events, supported by the Council, which will take place across the borough.

In order to ensure the event is a success, community groups, individuals and businesses are being invited to get involved. With the doors being opened for residents to play a starring role in the event by creating the lanterns for the parade at FREE sessions which will start later this month and carrying them on the night or by being part of the stage show.

Individuals and groups will have the opportunity to book onto ticketed sessions where they will be supplied with everything they need as well as support from a professional artist to create lanterns to light up the town. Not only that we also need our musically talented residents to step forward and be part of the fantastic stage show which will start from 3pm on Saturday 19th November.

Tameside Council Assistant Executive Member Culture, Heritage & Digital inclusivity Cllr Sangita Patel said: “We want to make this year the best yet and as it is a community based event we want to give everyone a chance to be involved in the event whether it’s in the parade or on the stage or just coming along to watch on the day.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to show off our civic pride and it’s great that we can support local businesses across our town centres with a vibrant range of festive events taking place not just in Ashton but across the Borough.”

For all the latest up to date information on what’s happening in your town, go to www.intameside.co.uk/northernlights