Workshops to be held ahead of major cultural festival

Arts organisation Surtal Arts has organised several events over the October half term for children and their families as part of the celebrated Derby Season of Light festival.

Firstly, a series of workshops will be held between Saturday 26 October and Saturday 2 November where families can make their own traditional lanterns and then join hundreds of others in the Derby Lantern Parade on Saturday 30 November.

The eco-friendly lanterns use biodegradable materials such as willow and tissue paper which are perfect for energy efficient LED lights, which are held aloft with bamboo sticks.

Families are also invited to a family-friendly interactive performance entitled ‘Choogh-Choogh’ at Derby Museums’ Museum of Making on Tuesday 29 October.

The event combines classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and music – inspired by the joy of travelling through India on a train during Diwali with a chance to find out more about the festival.

And on Thursday 26 October, the Derby Lantern Sculpture Trail – World of Flowers will be unveiled and run through to Tuesday 31 December.

Commissioned by Surtal Arts, eight emerging artists from across Derby and Derbyshire will create 11 stunning giant lantern sculptures in a trail through the city.

Inspired by the theme of climate action, the ‘World of Flowers’ will see 1- to 3-metre-high LED-lit lanterns, made from eco-friendly or recycled materials installed at 11 different locations around Derby city centre and Normanton.

The half term events are part of the Derby Season of Light- the annual festival designed to unit communities and cultures – embracing various festivals including Diwali, Rai’ Al-Awwal, Hanukkah, Christmas and the preparations for Chinese New Year which all share the common theme of light.

Nisha Nath, chair of Surtal Arts, said: “The workshops are a wonderful way for people across the city and county to learn more about traditional South Asian crafts which are such an important part of the festival calendar.

“The lantern workshops are also a great way to become part of the Derby Lantern Parade on Saturday 30 November, which is an amazing extravaganza of dance and music from diverse communities across the city – lit by hundreds of lanterns of all shapes and sizes which are paraded through the city centre.”

For more information about all the events and to book tickets, please click, here.