Experience Ulverston’s stunning rivers of white light

Experience stunning rivers of white light by visiting Ulverston in the southern Lake District on September 19 when its annual Lantern Festival will be causing more than a flicker of interest.

Hundreds of lanterns on this year’s theme of Wonderland Through the Looking Glass will be carried through the streets of the ancient town, with its cobbled streets, intriguing ginnels and quaint charm.

Lantern holders will start to parade from four points, at different times between 7.45pm and 8.10pm, before converging in the centre of Ulverston at 8.30pm and forming a procession to Ford Park for the finale.

There, all the lanterns will be hung and displayed, to create a magnificent spectacle. Fireworks will then round off the finale, which will end between 9.15pm and 9.30pm.

Lantern making workshops will enable those wishing to participate to create a lantern on the day, but those able to purchase a special craft kit can make their lantern at home, prior to the event.

Ambitious and experienced lantern makers are already devising their design based on the Wonderland Through the Looking Glass theme and organisers are expecting to see top hat-shaped, playing card enclosed and bottle-themed lanterns, as well as some wild and whacky interpretations.

From the strikingly large, to the endearingly small, lanterns of all shapes and sizes contribute to a family-focused event in which participation is free, with or without lantern. Lantern making kits range in price, depending on size of lantern.

A visit to Ulverston also provides the opportunity to see the new statue of comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, erected earlier this year to mark the fact that Laurel was born in Ulverston.

Things to see and do in the area are numerous, with Windermere being just 10 miles away and attractions such as Lakes Aquarium, Holker Hall and the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding shop being within easy reach.

To find out more about Ulverston visit ulverston.net or contact the Tourist Information Centre on ulverstontic@southlakeland.gov.uk. More information on accommodation can be accessed at southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism .