Lantern classes will fire your creativity

Mary-Beth Acres and Margi Inskeep (left) have been working on their penguin-shaped lantern.

If you have always wanted to build you own lantern then free lantern making workshops are being held as part of Rotorua's annual Fire and Ice Festival.

The lantern making workshops will be held on Sunday, and will run three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for the next month in an old shop front on Tutanekai St.

The workshops will culminate in the Fire and Lights Ignite Lantern Parade, where lantern-makers can show off their creations at the Village Green on July 12.

Creative director Ally Rogers said the workshops were a fantastic way to bring the community together and spark creativity. "It's a way to connect the community and connect people.

"And it's something for everyone, kids, families, everyone."

Ms Rogers said the classes were open to people of all skill levels, including those who have never made lanterns before.

She said since the workshops started running on June 1, there had been a huge amount of interest, but she would love to see even more people join.

"Come on down and have a go. The atmosphere is great and you'll be bound to make some new friends."

So far 49 lanterns have been made and Ms Rogers hopes about 400 lanterns will be put together before the parade.

Those making them will get to take them home, she said.

Ms Rogers also wanted to thank the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and Events and Venues for their support.

Details

What: Lantern Making Workshops
Where: 1225 Tutanekai St, Rotorua.
When: Sunday at 12pm to 4pm, and every Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 8pm.
Cost: Free