The night sky was illuminated by more than by a combination of lanterns and pumpkins this week as local families came together for an annual lantern parade, held at Olive Mount Gardens in Wavertree.
The 150 strong procession went from the entrance of Olive Mount Gardens at Mill lane, Wavertree and finished at the other end of the gardens at Thingwall Lane where members of Olive Mount Community Centre Management Group served hot soup to everyone who took part in the event, as well as spectators.
Following the parade which was led by a stilt walker camouflaged as a tree, there was an array of entertainment provided, including a magician and a fire-juggler.
The event was funded by the management group of local residents who operate from the Olive Mount Community Centre and organise events in the area throughout the year.
Cosmopolitan Housing Association, who own and manage 94 homes in the area, worked in partnership with Olive Mount Community Centre Management Group to arrange the event for the benefit of local people and families and to recognise Olive Mount Gardens as a great community asset.
Mrs Kath Walpole, a resident at Cosmopolitan’s Monkswell Place scheme in Wavertree, said at the parade: ” I am here with my 3 great grandchildren and they are over the moon with the evening. I can’t stop them from dancing, it’s wonderful to see so many people out. It’s a fabulous atmosphere and I’m so pleased that the weather has not let us down.”
Diane Maddock, Community Development Coordinator from Cosmopolitan Housing, said: “This is the second lantern parade that we have organised at the Gardens and this year proved a fantastic success with more people and their families attending than ever before. We wanted to create an event that all the family could enjoy in their local neighbourhood. With this year’s popularity it is hoped that we can make this an annual event in Olive Mount Gardens calendar.”