Community pulls together to produce a spectacular display

Mossley Christmas lights switch on and parade from Seel Park. Global Grooves.

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MOSSLEY was tripping the light fantastic last night as a giant lantern parade led to a Christmas lights switch-on.

The first annual Mossley Light Festival ­- organised by Mossley-based arts charity, Global Grooves ­- saw crowds flock to marvel at the carnival-inspired parade featuring newly-commissioned illuminated artists' installations.

Setting off from Seel Park, the spectacular creations included two hand-made, four-metre-high animatronic peacocks, billowing ships masts and a moving menagerie including an elephant, monkey, a lion, two giraffes and a dragon - while bands provided the rhythms.

They marched to the Market Place whereSt John's Band, 2 Boards and a Passion, Mossley Ukulele Group, Good Vibrations and Next Generation Youth Theatre provided entertainment.

The nocturnal parade told two tales: Global Grooves' new interpretation of Shakespeare's The Tempest and the story of the life stages of a woman.

The puppets and surrounding elements were created during workshops with visiting international artists and the local community, including schools and older people's groups.

Children from Milton St John's CE Primary, and some of their parents, worked with artist Gordon Banks, to craft their own lights from bamboo and tissue paper.

Laura Johnson, the school's creative development lead, said: "It's been a great community effort."

Mossley mayor Greg Brett described the event as "world class" before leading the crowd in a chorus of jingle bells to welcome Santa Claus to switch on the Christmas Lights, lighting up the Christmas Tree.

Special thanks were given to former mayor Lesley Bill who led the organisation of the event.

See more pictures of Mossley Light Parade on our picture sales page.