Start your festive season by taking part in the now-traditional willow lantern-making workshops held by Manx Arts Development.

The popular workshops take place on 11th/12th and 18th/19th November from 10am to 4pm at Henry Bloom Noble Primary School, Westmoreland Road, Douglas.

The workshops are free to attend and fun for all the family. Under-12s must be accompanied by an adult.

You can arrive as late as 2.30pm. The advice is: Come prepared to get messy.

Participants can take part in a lantern parade being held on Thursday 23rd November as part of the Douglas Christmas lights switch-on.

Lantern-bearers will meet outside The Alpine in Regent Street from 6.30pm and the parade will depart at 7pm, weaving its way through town to the Villa Marina Arcade for mince pies and carols led by the Isle of Man Wind Orchestra.

Emma Callin, Arts Development Manager with Manx Arts Development, part of the Department of Education and Children, said: ‘The lantern workshops are always fun and a great event for all of the family to join in with. Making lanterns is very easy and there will be plenty of help on hand for newcomers.

‘The parade through Douglas is a lovely way to start the festive season and it is great to be part of Douglas Borough Council’s busy Christmas lights switch-on.’

To find out more, ring 01624 694598 or email emma.callin@gov.im