Over the last five years, the Strand has played its part in helping to deliver the now annual East Belfast lantern parade in partnership with Wandsworth Community Association.

In the months leading up to the December parade, almost 500 people from schools and community groups across East Belfast made their own willow lantern, with our youngest participant aged only 6 months, and our eldest in their 80s!

On the night, approximately 1,000 people took to the streets with their lanterns, following Santa’s sleigh to Strandtown Primary School where they enjoyed a few festive fireworks. It was a wonderful evening and helped to Bring a Little Light to the East at the end of another challenging year.

“Thank you for sending the resources to make the Christmas lanterns with the P5 pupils. We all really loved this activity and were so thrilled with the final result.”  Knocknagoney Primary School