An annual lantern parade once again lit up the streets of Stoke town centre on Friday evening (21 March). 

The event was organised by the community arts organisation Beavers Arts (B Arts) and began at 6pm.

The procession was led by an illuminated puppet, the Stoke Elk, and started outside Stoke Library before finishing at Stoke Minster.

The procession started at Stoke Library and made its way towards King's Hall. (Nub News)

The organisers have been hosting lantern-making workshops across the town at Stoke Indoor Market, Stoke Gurdwara, and Stoke Minster to prepare for the event. 

More than 130 lanterns lit up the streets as the parade made its way towards King's Hall, where the Lord Mayor's Over the Rainbow charity celebration was being held in aid of Period Power and Emmaus North Staffs.

There were some unique lantern creations on show as the parade filled up the streets. (Nub News)

There was live music, dancing, projections, large-scale lanterns and live performances including some Northern Soul. 

B Arts was also featuring its brand new 'Disco Boar' which was made by a group of artists and performers from around the UK at one of the group's large-scale lantern-making masterclasses. 

The 'Stoke Elk' was leading the way. (Nub News)

The organisers also host the Saturday in the Square series outside Stoke Library and as well as in Stoke, have previously held lantern parades in Kidsgrove.

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