belgrave big and bright

The community came out in droves to watch or walk in the lantern parade in Belgrave tonight. Once again there were lanterns of all shapes and sizes as people braved a chilly night in the Dandenongs to celebrate the winter solstice. The main street was packed with onlookers and traders did a roaring trade with the influx of visitors to the town.

The Mater Christi band provided entertainment for onlookers, this is me with Mary Fitz-Gerald, Principal of Mater Christi.

Louis and Nathan couldn't keep up with demand, they sold around 500 snags, whilst Rotary who had a sausage sizzle at the other end of town sold out of 15kgs of sausages.

Local circus performers entertained people waiting for the parade.


Simon Duiker, local artist, put together this amazing Cockie.
This whale lantern was spectacular, created by lantern maker extraordinaire, Renata.

The stegasaurus was an amazing feat of construction.

The lantern parade inspires locals in many ways, this lantern was amazing.

Me, with my lantern.

The crowd were out in force to watch or walk in the parade.

The lantern parade is a great excuse to dress up.

Lanterns came in many shapes and sizes, there is no limit to imagination for this parade.

The fire twirling in the town park was spectacular.

It was a great event, one our community has wholeheartedly embraced.