Procession of lanterns event at the abbey

THE Abbey Church of Dunfermline is planning to host its first Lantern Procession later this month.

The free event will take place on Friday, November 17, 6pm8pm, with participants required to register in advance.

The Rev MaryAnn Rennie said: “The winter months are marked with Festivals of Light across the world, including Hallowe’en, Diwali, the Spanish Fallas, St Martin’s Day in the Netherlands, Hannukah, Eid-ulFitr, and Advent and Christmas.

“These festivals celebrate light as a mark of time, and they also celebrate as a symbol of hope and comfort in the cold dark evenings.”

The route for this year’s procession will only be disclosed to those who register to take part, but it will take a path through Pittencrieff Park to Dunfermline Abbey, where it will circle the Abbey with light before the walkers and their lanterns enter the building.

There will be an element of competition, with home-made lanterns being judged for their creativity by Gillian Taylor, of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, a representative of Little Shop of Heroes and another yet to be revealed judge.

Individual prizes will be given to those who are seven and under, 8-11 years old, and 12-16 years old. The announcement of the winners will take place within the church once the walk has taken place.

Lanterns can be traditional willow and tissue or Chinese paper lanterns. They could also be made from recycled items like bottles. There are three stipulations – no glass, no live flame candles, and have fun.

More details about the event are available on the congregation’s web page www.dunfermlineabbey.com/ wwp/?p=22856, where there is also a link to register.