Belgrave Lantern Parade lights the Longest Night

Once again, the Hills community has come together to light the longest night as part of this year’s Belgrave Lantern Festival.

Thousands turned out to line Main St, Belgrave, with their lanterns last night – rugging up to brave the cold in celebration of the Winter Solstice, marking rebirth and new beginnings.

Led by the much-loved Belgrave wizard Baba Desi, this year’s parade included fire twirlers, street performers, gypsy dancers and various community groups – including Mount Burnett Observatory, Selby House, Platypus Education Group, the Brass Harpies (with their steampunk-inspired lantern), and many others.

The colourful array of lanterns included stars, planets and the solar system (from Mount Burnett), platypus and other Creatures of the Creek, owls, a rainbow, and even Doctor Who’s TARDIS and a Dalek!

The festival is now in its 13th year – and definitely a highlight not to be missed.

You can watch the Yarra Ranges Life TV broadcast of the Lantern Parade here.