Liverpool’s own Sefton Park is set to become the stage for visually-stunning illuminated theatre production this Halloween, as the hugely popular Halloween Lantern Carnival returns to the city’s cultural calendar.

Taking place on Saturday, November 1, from 6pm, the annual twilight Halloween Lantern Carnival will see giant puppets, kinetic floats, pyrotechnics and sculptures light up and animate the night sky, as the moving performance snakes through Sefton Park.

Thousands of visitors will be transported into an imaginary, parallel world of mischievous artistry and breathtaking beauty that will dazzle and enchant spectators.

While the story for this year’s moonlit event remains a closely guarded secret, previous Lantern Carnivals have featured impressive sculptural bonfires, glowing giant puppets, hundreds of costumed characters and illuminated sculptures which combine to create a visual storytelling experience on a grand scale.

Jo Pocock, artistic director of the Halloween Lantern Carnival, said:

“We are delighted to be bringing the much loved Halloween Lantern Carnival to Sefton Park again this year. The Lantern Company is now in its 12th year and the work has developed hugely over that time, taking us to many other cities and countries, however the Halloween Carnival is definitely the highlight of the year for us. We are really excited to be collaborating once again with pyrotechnics company, And Now, to create a spectacular finale to the event.”

“With our roots firmly placed in the city and with the continued support of Liverpool City Council, Arts Council England and many other supporters who believe in superb cultural events for all, we are committed to developing great art in the local community.”

Audience participation is encouraged ahead of the event through community-led Lantern Carnival creative workshops. Celebrated artists will promote artistic excellence in the community by helping local people create their own hand-made lanterns. On the evening, over 2,000 spectators will carry their lanterns and form a moving river of light; a dazzling display of creativity and community spirit.

Lantern making workshops ahead of the Halloween Lantern Carnival take place on 18th and 19th and the week of 25th to 30th October at various locations in Liverpool. Children must be accompanied by an adult, places are limited and priced at £7 pert lantern to cover the cost of materials. Places are limited and require pre-booking via http://lanterncompany.co.uk/lantern-making-workshops-2014/

While The Lantern Company continues to develop sustainable artistic projects in Liverpool, this year has seen a number of exciting international projects and collaborations with events in Germany, Ibiza and Hong Kong. The artistic team is currently producing five newly commissioned illuminated puppets for the second year running for Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation.

Over the coming months, The Lantern Company will also be producing major events up and down the country and closer to home for Liverpool ONE and Chester Zoo’s Christmas celebrations.

The Lantern Company’s Halloween Lantern Carnival is funded by Liverpool City Council and Arts Council England.

Source: Click Liverpool

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Words: Daniel Pearce