HUNDREDS of Belgrave residents took to the streets over the weekend to celebrate the winter solstice at the eighth Belgrave Lantern Festival.
The event, which was co-ordinated by volunteers and supported by Burrinja, Belgrave traders and lantern artists, saw the idyllic lanterns fill the evening’s sky to celebrate the shortest day of the year on Saturday night.
Community Cultural Development Officer at Burrinja Amy Middleton said the parade is an element that makes Belgrave what it is today.
Marking the midst of winter, she said the event heralds the turning point with new beginnings celebrated coming into longer days in the lead-up to spring.
And, for the first time ever, the Freemasons from the Belgrave Masonic Centre took part in the parade and marched in full regalia.
The Mail’s photographer Greg Carrick was there to capture the event.
