Preparations are underway for the return of a colourful pre-Christmas tradition on the streets of Blackburn.

Workshops have begun to support the annual Blackburn Festival of Light, which takes place on Saturday, December 7.

Promoters have teamed up with the Festival of the Moon at Blackburn Cathedral for this year’s theme.

And creative types have been assembling at the The Bureau Centre for the Arts in Exchange Street ahead of the festival’s main gathering for lantern-making workshops and to rehearse as part of the festival’s street band.

A Bureau spokesman said: “Come to The Bureau and make yourself a willow and paper lantern for this year’s Blackburn Festival of Light Event. We will be hosting a small number of lantern-making workshops.”

Workshops are pencilled in for today, Saturday, and Saturday, November 30, and December 7 and 14, from noon to 3pm on each occasion.

Moons, moths and hares are being fashioned at the gatherings, which are said to be accessible for anyone aged five to 95.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and those attending are advised to wear suitable clothing for what can be a messy activity.

Their new cafe will also be open for hot and cold drinks and a selection of homemade cakes.

Musically-minded volunteers can instead form part of the Festival of Light Street Band, which is being assembled again for the festivities.

Organisers at The Bureau say those taking part can learn drumming and percussion, via a mix of samba, carnival, African and South Asian rhythms in weekly workshops.

An official added: “This activity is open to all levels - beginners are encouraged as well as more experienced members.”

Workshops are taking place on Wednesdays for those aged 13 and over and for more information e-mail sue@bureaublackburn.co.uk. Bookings can be made online or people can pay weekly for the sessions.

Last year the festival did not stage a parade and instead teamed up with Blackburn with Dawen Council for a ‘Share Your Light’ event as part of the authority’s festive programme.

But in 2022 an illuminated window trail guided lantern makers around Blackburn town centre.