“Out of the Blue” lantern parade taking place around New Brighton Marine Lake on Saturday

Dec 5 2012 Birkenhead News

A LANTERN parade will take place around New Brighton’s Marine Lake on Saturday to celebrate the end of Wirral’s Year of Coast and Countryside.

“Out of the Blue – a Winter Celebration of Wirral’s Coastal Treasures” will start by the sailing centre at the Marine Point development at 5pm and feature illuminated fish and other creatures from the deep.

There will also be a giant sea bird, surprise seaside attractions, glowing maritime characters, music and a fiery finale on the marine lake.

Wirral Council stepped in to organise the event after the resignation of several key members of the New Brighton Waves group, which was originally given the task of organising the lantern parade and a planned lighthouse festival.

The event was organised with 08 Legacy funding which had to be spent by the end of 2012.

Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral council cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “Our priority was very much to ensure that this event went ahead and that the 08 Legacy funding that had been earmarked for it was not lost.

“I’m delighted to say that the plans for what promises to be a spectacular parade have now been finalised and I hope that as many people as possible can come along and enjoy the evening on December 8.”

Local community groups have been invited to take part in the event and members of the public are advised to arrive early.

Marine Promenade will be closed during the parade from around 4.45pm to 6pm (depending on traffic flow).

The Lantern Company Band will be performing in Victoria Road at 3pm and at 3.30pm, prior to taking part in the parade, Mount Primary School Choir will perform their repertoire of Christmas songs.