Thousands carried their lantern or torch (there was even one clever kid wearing Christmas lights) and walked down Harper Ave along the river and into the park.The lanterns that had been made by school groups before the parade were a great success. Some were carried by their owners and some were borrowed by other kids for the night. I saw one very little girl struggling along with a lantern as tall as her – she was determind not to let mum or dad help her carry it. The evening finished with fireworks.

It was a great start to a fantastic festival.