Lantern making workshops at the Bowes Museum

by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

IN the run-up to Halloween, the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle will set the mood with lantern-making workshops to help light up the night sky for any passing witches on broomsticks.

Throughout this half-term week, community artist Simon Pell will be showing youngsters how to create “withie” lanterns, which are made with willow sticks and tissue paper.

The workshops run from 10am to 4pm daily until Friday – Halloween itself – then culminate in a 6pm lantern parade and fire art event on Saturday, when there will also be spooky performances by the Turrets – The Castle Players youth theatre – in the museum grounds.

It’s advisable to book for the workshops. The cost is £5 a lantern; £3 for Cygnets Kids’ Club members. Call (01833) 690606 for details.

Any community groups interested in taking part in the lantern parade can call (01833) 694600 for information.