Shining a light into every corner of the city

10:22am Thursday 27th December 2007

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THIS is the night you stopped the traffic in Salisbury, said the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend David Stancliffe, as he addressed the hundreds of lantern bearers assembled outside the giant West Front door of Salisbury Cathedral.

Held on the last late-night shopping event in Salisbury, the Lantern Parade made its debut last year.

Such was its success and so popular was the event, that the organisers were determined to involve even more community groups and individuals this year.

In fact, more than 800 lantern bearers took to the streets of Salisbury last Thursday.

Led by a guiding star lantern bearer and accompanied by Salisbury Community Choir singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing, the parade left Salisbury Arts Centre, to snake its way through the streets of Salisbury to the Cathedral Close.

A brief regrouping at Salisbury's Guildhall perfectly highlighted the sheer size of this event, as some lantern bearers were yet to leave the Arts Centre.

Organised by Salisbury based charity, Circular Arts, and led by community artist, Alex Grant, from Toozalii Community Arts, with the support of Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival, it is hoped that Salisbury Lantern Parade will become an annual event.

"You light up the lives of the people in Salisbury," said Bishop Stancliffe, before offering a prayer and blessing.

"This is a real community event," added the chairman of Salisbury District Council, Bobbie Chettleburgh.

"This is what life in Salisbury is all about."