Hopes, dreams and aspirations for Scarborough's future will light up the town when an annual lantern parade opens a showcase of festive entertainment later this month.
Scarborough Sparkle will feature family activities, shopping, food and drink from Friday, 27 November, to Sunday, 29 November.
The free event at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, which will be sponsored by O'Briens Funfairs & Catering, will begin on Friday evening with the annual lantern parade.
This year’s theme will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Scarborough becoming Britain’s first seaside resort, while looking to what lays ahead.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy a programme of live entertainment hosted by This is the Coast, including performances from local choirs and bands, competition giveaways and live music from Backchat Brass Band.
Executive member for arts and culture, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “This promises to be a fantastic family event and, coupled with the Scarborough 400 celebrations, it should be even more memorable.
“The community lantern parade provides a wonderful opportunity for people to celebrate everything that makes Scarborough special while also sharing their hopes for the town's future.”
The lanterns are created by community groups, volunteers and schoolchildren and coordinated by local arts organisation, Animated Objects.
This is the 10th year the parade has taken place, and it is made possible thanks to funding from North Yorkshire Council and Arts Council England.
Animated Objects’ artistic director, Lee Threadgold, said: “We’re really excited to be working with so many groups this year for the parade.
“As we are reaching the end of Scarborough’s 400th anniversary of being England’s first seaside spa town, we felt that ‘Scarborough - the next 400 years’ would be a fitting theme, with each lantern being decorated to reflect the hopes, dreams and wishes of the lantern bearer for the future of the town, its communities and the local environment.
“It’s been a really inspirational theme for participants, and their responses have been really moving and uplifting.”
Most of the lanterns are made of paper and willow in group workshop sessions and then waterproofed. They are lit using an array of low energy LED lights.
Visitors to Scarborough Sparkle can also enjoy a range of festive attractions, including funfair rides, a tipi bar, marshmallow toasting, a snow machine, Santa's sleigh, a Christmas tree and appearances from festive characters.
More than 50 stalls will showcase local businesses, independent traders and community organisations, offering Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, food and drink.
The chair of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, Cllr Liz Colling, said she was looking to see large crowds at the event.
Cllr Colling said: “What makes this event so special is that it has been shaped by our local community.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying this free celebration and supporting all those who have contributed to it.”
A free shuttle bus service will operate on Saturday and Sunday between Eastfield and Peasholm Park, with stops at Crossgates, Falsgrave, Scarborough Railway Station, the town centre and North Marine Road. The service will run hourly throughout the day.
Visitors can also enjoy a walk through Peasholm Park before arriving at the venue, with the park café open throughout the event.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre is fully accessible with step-free access. Dogs are welcome on leads, although organisers recommend leaving noise-sensitive dogs at home during the busy Friday evening opening event.
The event takes place on Friday, 27 November, from 5pm to 9pm, Saturday, 28 November, from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, 29 November, from 11am to 5pm.
Parking is available at Upper and Lower Northstead car parks. For more information, visit the Visit North Yorkshire website.