Last updated 19:31, Thursday, 27 November 2008

THE first lantern and flag-making workshop was held in Cockermouth on Saturday.

Hundreds of children crammed into Victoria Hall during the day to make the lanterns in preparation for the Market Place celebrations on December 6.

People even had to be turned away because the hall was too full.

The children, with parents and Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake Storytree team, made lanterns with willow twigs, tissue and glue.

On December 6, celebrations will start in the morning with the normal farmers’ market, which will be extended into the afternoon.

There will be street theatre presented by All Saints School and the Fairly Famous Family as well as performances from the Belfagan Women’s Morris.

Also included in the celebrations are the Gardenelles folk duo, carol singing with the Cockermouth Mechanics Band and Castlegate Singers.

There will also be a competition to find the best Cumberland sausage and a Love Food, Hate Waste cookery demonstration from Mawbray chef Annette Gibbons.

The community lantern parade will take place at 4.30pm, with the ringing of the newly restored Market Bell scheduled for 5pm.