A LANTERN parade brought some Christmas magic to Guiseley in an event which is becoming a festive tradition.

The Parkinson's Park Lantern Parade took place for the third time and was hailed as a great success with a good turnout of people getting together to celebrate Christmas and Midwinter.

Entertainment was provided by St Oswald's Choir and Guiseley Brass Band.

The event was organised by the Friends of Parkinson's Park, a voluntary group which was set up to preserve and enhance the park.

Jennifer Kirkby from the friends said: "This was the third Parkinson’s Park Lantern Parade, and each year more people join in the event, and hopefully get to share the 'magic' of Midwinter and Christmas as a community. People tell us they enjoy the 'spontaneous' community feel of the event, and we try and get a wide range of people to take part - not just watch but join in – from our MP and all three Church Ministers, to the tiniest tots, and newest residents.

"There were lots of innovative lanterns, for people to show their creative side, as well as those made especially for Parades, such as the large moon. We had drummers this year from 70 to six, of both sexes taught the rhythm by an experienced community musician; then we have the mix of older, experienced members of Guiseley Brass Band, to the youngsters from St Oswald’s Choir.

"Handmade Parades who provided the lead lantern this year, do lots of big lantern parades across Yorkshire and Lancashire, and were very impressed by the enthusiasm, spontaneity and turnout."

The Friends of Parkinson's Park group was set up to improve the park for the benefit of all local people and to secure its long term future.

It runs regular community events such as the lantern parade and the children's gala in September every year. It has also planted spring bulbs and trees as well as establishing a community orchard and wildflower areas.

The group also collects litter and works with police to make the park feel safe and welcoming by reducing anti-social behaviour.

The park was originally established when the land was bought by Frank and Albert Parkinson in 1936/37 to be used by the employees of Crompton Parkinson and the people of Guiseley.

All photographs were takeen by Darren Sanderson Photography