Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival is here

Submitted by Richard Izzard on Fri, 25/02/2011 - 12:06am
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As you are probably aware, this week has been half-term and being an odd year, it's time for an odd festival - The Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival is here again!!! Being Friday, all the Lanterns have been made and numerous cakes have been eaten, supplied by Slaithwaite W.I., Methodist Church, Playgroup & Toddlers, Scouts and Slaithwaite DofE centre at the Community Centre Lantern Making workshops! A wide array of lanterns from the traditional moons and stars to sheep, hats and jumpers as the festival takes on the theme 'Wild about wool'. Wild about wool is also the name of The Heritage Lottery Funded project that has been kicked off this festival; look out for more events throughout 2011 building up to an exhibition in the Autumn. 

So, tomorrow's the big night! Two years of hard work, fund-raising and planning, one opening event (The Ceilidh) and a week of workshops, storytelling, animation and even hat making; not to talk of the singing and dancing along the way - will culminate in a re-enactment of the Moonraking Story along the Canal. The centre of Slaithwaite will come alive with street music and entertainers, and many shops and business will be staying open throughout the evening including our very own Green Valley Grocer. Ange will be on hand to fulfil all of your fruit and vegetable needs, although I’m sure you'll be more interested in the sumptuous baked goods!

At 5.45pm, Carr Lane is closed to traffic and open to Moonrakers and visitors alike; the Moon will be raked from the canal and carried through the crowd to lead the procession around the village returning to Carr Lane for the spectacular finale and fireworks – a fitting end to a wonderful week of lanterns and legends. Watch out for the magical projections on Impossible Theatre's lightweight dome, and special fire effects from paBoom.

Oh, and don’t forget to give me a wave; I’ll be stewarding on the Carr Lane roundabout!

More info at www.slaithwaitemoonraking.org and www.wildaboutwool.co.uk.