Late afternoon on Saturday, 26th October, the Light Waves festival took over the high street of Sutton-on-Sea.
The event, which involved a Fire Garden, Lantern Parades and much more, saw crowds of around fifteen hundred people from across the country- drawn in like moths to the light (which rather fittingly was another installation that took place.)
The Young Journalist Academy were there to capture the event’s atmosphere while interviewing organisers, shop owners, families and lantern makers about their involvement and views of the evening. This was incredibly insightful, as the firm feeling of pride and community in Sutton-on-Sea was felt in every interview.
The Town Crier even gave an early bell-ringing rendition just for us! We also gained feedback for the event’s future, with the owner of the Yellowbellies shop telling us she’d “hope for more stalls and more vendors” for next year.
Overall, the positive feedback and atmosphere of the festival were undeniably a success, with everyone interviewed wanting to see Lightwaves return next year. Community input, such as the intricately made fish lanterns produced by local schoolchildren for the parade, made the evening unforgettable for all ages.
By Charlie White – Senior Young Journalist
YJA Light Waves film produced by Rayne Wearden, filmed by Michael Velykorodnyy
This is fantastic! Huge congratulations to the Young Journalist team – we hope you had a great night, thank you so much!
Hi just asking if there’s any space next year for some ride and stalls at the event we are a local run business I like to offer ous service to you for your event many thanks simon smith my email is smithfairground401@gmail.com or phone number 07898957846