'Carnival of the Animals' to light up Maidenhead High Street this weekend

Maidenhead town centre is set to come to life with an animal-themed display at the annual lantern parade on Saturday, December 7.

This year, celebrations will feature a carnival emphasis with animal-inspired lanterns adding to the ‘weird and wonderful’ creatures expected on the walk.

The annual free-to-attend event will see an array of colourful lanterns with the theme of Carnival of the Animals – Our Animal Neighbours.

Road closures have already been announced for the evening and organisers, Norden Farm have provided more details of what attendees can expect at the free-to-attend event.

Visitors will enjoy plenty of live entertainment, including music from Dhol and brass band Ronak Mela Baja from 4.30pm.

Mark Burford will join the parade as Nordenia, walking the route on stilts while Babel Brass Band will bring their eclectic contemporary brass band sound.

The 45-minute parade will begin at Maidenhead Town Hall at 5pm and will be followed by further entertainment.

Lantern-making workshops were held throughout November to help attendees make their lanterns fit for the parade but visitors do not need a lantern to take part in the event.

A Maidenhead Library drop-in will take place on Saturday, December 7 from 10.30am to 2pm.

The lantern parade encourages residents to get together, create artworks, dance and showcase them during the event.

Rio Deli at the library will also be open late on the day to provide a steady supply of food and snacks for parade-goers.

The event is organised by Norden Farm in partnership with SameSky, an arts charity which has created lanterns and costumes for community events since 1987.

For more information about the event and how to book a place for the workshops, visit: https://norden.farm/events/the-carnival-of-the-animals-lantern-parade-28