Stars of Spilsby shine bright at light night parade

The lantern parade involving more than 100 local school children was a highlight of the second annual event by the Different Light Collective.

Also featuring giant illuminated moons, the parade began at Spilsby Primary Academy, winding its way through the streets, past Spilsby Theatre and St James Church, which were was also lit up, and on to an arena in the central car park.

There, as the crowd joined in a countdown, a giant illuminated moon was hoisted into position.

Zane Everton, age nine, from Spilsby Primary Academy, was very excited to explain how he had made his star using bamboo sticks, tissue paper and a battery pack.

He said he loved being in the parade and commented: "It was a dream come true for me. I never thought I'd get a chance to be in anything like that."

Other attractions included an interactive Celestial Sound Cloud light display in St James Church, where people could reconnect with their inner child by creating movement and sound while waving their arms underneath, an illumaphonium where you could make music near the statue of Sir John Franklin, a big outdoor screen near the George Hotel where you could play Space Invaders, an exhibition of amazing photographs by students from Woodlands Academy inside the Methodist Church, a silent disco under the archway at the White Hart Hotel, a chance to draw some digital graffiti on Tinn Criddle’s building and even a special VR experience in the New Life Church.

There was also be a special contemporary dance and light performance called Version 2.0 inside the Franklin Hall by Tom Dale Company, a Nottingham based group who have gained a national reputation for their cutting edge blend of movement and digital technology.

Local businesses also joined in with some smaller light displays.

Simon Hollingworth, Creative Producer of Spilsby Light Night said he was overwhelmed with the response.

"We are all still buzzing - overall the response has been very good.

"After last year's event when people were so supportive and enthusiastic, we said we would return and that it would be a step up this year.

"Until the night you never know how it will go - but it just clicked into place and we are thrilled.

"What has made it especially worthwhile is the pride of those who were involved and seeing so many people wandering around smiling and chatting when it would usually be quiet in town.

"Of course, not everything happened as we would have liked but we will take what we have learned and hope to be back next year."

This year's event was thanks to increased funding from Arts Council England and additional support from loads of local companies and organisations.

Rob Stark, business operator at the White Hart Hotel, which was packed in the night commented: "We has a successful Light Night that proved to be a very positive crowd pleaser.

"Our Saturday steak night was fully booked, thanks to the Light Night event."