For the third year running Romsey’s late night Christmas shopping event will be lit up by a festive lantern parade.

Schools, community organisations, youth groups and individuals are all busy making lanterns.

This year’s parade theme is pantomimes and spectators will be able to watch out for characters from Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin, Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk. The parade has received councils grants, funding from Aster Communities and backing from local businesses.

The march, which takes place on December 5, will leave the Abbey Garth at 5.30pm, going down Church Street towards Market Place, up Bell Street, across the bus station to The Hundred and back to the Abbey, in time for the arrival of Father Christmas.

The project’s chairman, Pamela Eastwood, said it was not too late to make a lantern.

A public workshop will take place at Montfort Community Hall on Saturday, November 15 from 10am to 1pm. The cost is £3.50 per lantern and places should be booked.

The parade organisers would also welcome offers of help with lantern assembly on the day of the parade, and road marshals to help keep the procession moving. Contact Pamela@shadow26.plus.com or 01794 501605 to reserve a workshop place or volunteer on the day itself.