FAMILIES got a bit of light relief creating their own lanterns ready for Devizes Christmas Festival during a workshop on Saturday.

People of all ages were in the Crown Centre to make the lanterns they will carry through the streets of the town on November 28.

Jo Beal, the artistic director of Devizes Outdoor Celebra-tory Arts (DOCA), said: “We started the workshops a week early as there was such a demand last year, so it was good to see people turning up.

“They all seemed to have great fun creating the lanterns and I hope lots more people will come to the rest of the workshops. We also have 16 schools and community groups busily making their own lanterns.”

The lantern parade starts from St John’s Street at 6pm and makes its way round the town, before Santa switches on the Christmas lights at 6.45pm in the Market Place, followed by fireworks.

Lantern-making workshop will be held on Saturday, from 1pm to 5pm and the Tuesdays of November 18 and 25, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

All workshops will be run at the Crown Centre, 39 St John’s Street.

Mrs Beal is asking for donations towards the cost of materials and has been out and about in Devizes, asking people to put money in a bucket.

She said: “Each lantern costs about £4.50 to make. In the past, we haven’t really told people about our need to fundraise, but now they know they are being very generous.

“We would be very grateful if people can give what they can, to sustain both the lantern parade and next year’s summer events.”