Children are being invited to tae part in willow lantern-making workshops before Christmas.

The workshops take place over the weekends of November 11 and 12 and 18 and 19 take place from 10am to 4pm at Henry Bloom Noble Primary School, Westmoreland Road, Douglas. The workshops are free to attend. Under-12s must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants can take part in a lantern parade being held on Thursday, November 23, as part of the Douglas Christmas lights switch-on.

Lantern-bearers will meet outside The Alpine in Regent Street from 6.30pm and the parade will depart at 7pm, weaving its way through town to the Villa Marina Arcade for mince pies and carols led by the Isle of Man Wind Orchestra. Emma Callin, arts development manager for the Department of Education and Children, said: ’The lantern workshops are always fun and a great event for all of the family to join in with.

’The parade through Douglas is a lovely way to start the festive season and it is great to be part of Douglas Borough Council’s busy Christmas lights switch-on.’

To find out more, ring 01624 694598 or email [email protected]