Posted on 21 Nov 2017
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On Saturday 18th November, Didcot’s Orchard Centre was illuminated by handmade lanterns crafted by the local community. The theme of Didcot’s first Lantern Procession was The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, our Christmas production which takes to the Cornerstone stage from 8th – 30th December 2017.
Children and adults from local schools and community groups learnt how to build lanterns with artist Emily Cooling (from Creating Art) ahead of the Lantern Procession. Music and Indian Dance workshops were also held at Cornerstone and Didcot Railway Centre as part of the Light Festival.
Our Arts Development Officer, Miranda Laurence, was thrilled by the event...
‘We were so delighted to see so many enthusiastic children and adults joining in our first light festival on Saturday. The beautiful lanterns looked magical as we processed up to Cornerstone to the funky sound of the noise orchestra! The evening was topped off by an atmospheric and delicate Indian Diwali dance performed in front of a hushed crowd in our gallery. We are really grateful to everyone who took part and showed up despite the rainy weather, and to the amazing artists who led the workshops. We can't wait for next year which we hope will be bigger, better and even more magical!’
If you missed the procession, not to worry, you can still see some of the wonderful lanterns as a selection are being exhibited in Cornerstone’s Gallery during the Magical Cornerstone running from 22nd November to 7th January.
To book tickets to see The Nutcracker and the Mouse King this Christmas at Cornerstone, click here or book via the box office on 01235 515144. Performances even during Christmas week.
Thank you so much to all the artists, participants and public who got involved in this year's Light Festival. We have been delighted by the results and can't wait to organise similar events in the future! Please do visit our Facebook to see images and videos from the event.