Hebden Bridge Web

Lamplighter dazzles through the rain

Monday, 30 November 2015

Hundreds of revellers who braved the elements were treated to a light and fire extravaganza when the Lamplighter Festival took to the streets of Todmorden on Saturday.

Photo: Graham Wynne

The festival, produced by Hebden Bridge based Handmade Parade, went ahead despite the appalling weather and a short break in the torrential rain meant organisers, who had made contingency plans for a shorter event where people could view the lanterns, were able to put on a parade.

Stars of the show were the Lamplighter lady and swan made by Kerith Ogden, a UFO made by Sue Walpole and a robot made by Andrew Kim. The giant illuminated puppets were joined by hundreds of lanterns made at community workshops.

Photo: Graham Wynne

The festival featured a host of local talent including fire-performers Flame Oz and Beatnik Collective and street bands Drum Machine, Skiband, Handmade Samba and Mr Wilson's 2nd Liners.

There were also walkabout performances by Frolicked, Spannerman, Callaloo Carnival Arts, Les Panards Dansants and the Oaken Hoof Cloggers and illuminated installations commissioned for the event by Walk the Plank, Space Cadets, Nick Mitchell, Handmade Parade, Enya Koster, Steve Summers and Bee Jasko.

Photo: Graham Wynne

Many people donned waterproofs and wellies to dance in the rain and spirits were high, despite the soggy surroundings.

Andrew Kim, Artistic Director of Handmade Parade, told the HebWeb, "Thank you to all those who braved the rain and came out to be a part of this year's Lamplighter Festival. We feel very fortunate to have a community who is so up for a creative celebration, regardless of the weather!

Photo: Graham Wynne

"It was very hard but actually very uplifting at the same time." 

This year's Lamplighter Festival was made possible with funding from Todmorden Town Council, Calderdale Council, Arts Council England and Todmorden Pride.

Those who took part or watched are being asked for their feedback to help improve and create more events like this.

Organisers would also like to thank all those who contributed to the street collection on the night, which raised £290.33.