PICTURES: Buxton's Lantern Parade lights up the dark

Large groups gathered outside Boots, on Spring Gardens, before walking up The Slopes, across the Market Place and down Fountain Street towards the Pavilion Gardens, stopping at various places along the way to sing Christmas carols.

Andrea Lewis, from organisers Buxton Sparkles, said: “Without the people of Buxton, it wouldn’t happen.

“Those who contributed to the event ranged from the elderly folk at The Argyle to youngsters from Rainbows and Brownies.

“It was a real community get-together.”

The theme of the parade was ‘Finding Sleeping Beauty’, to tie in with this year’s Buxton Opera House pantomime, and a willow lantern of Prince Charming led the illuminated procession.

Buxton’s town crier Bill Weston and Andy Parker, as King Stefan, led the parade on its merry way.

The Sparkles team were particularly delighted with the turn-out.

Colourful sculptures and decorations in the Pavilion Gardens later greeted revellers at the end of the parade.

Andrea added: “It is lovely to see this event grow and so many people turned up despite the bad weather.

“We even managed to get more people along the route to come and join in the fun.”

Any groups or organisations interested in getting involved in next year’s event should email [email protected].