Imaginations take flight at parade

MORE than 2,500 flocked to Rochdale Town Hall Square as the 'Flight of Fancy' parade came to town last week.

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People from across the borough came together to soak up the carnival atmosphere, as the area surrounding the stunning Grade I Listed town hall exploded with colour and light.

An energetic performance from 40 piece Brazilian Samba band, Batala Manchester, set the tone for a fun, family friendly evening, while Hebden Bridge based, Handmade Productions, brought along large scale puppets and light art. Thingumajig theatre, from Todmorden, also joined in the fun alongside a host of community groups, including PossAbilities, the New Pioneers Group and Red Ant Art.

The focal point of the evening was a stunning display of lanterns created by local community groups and schools. The creative groups took their inspiration from the nature and wildlife which is depicted throughout the town hall, in its carvings and painted walls and ceilings, to create a stunning display, which they then paraded across the square.