Pictures: Combe Christmas gets nautical with traditional lantern parade

A giant gull, a conger eel and a seahorse were among the brightly lit sea creatures that led the traditional withy lantern parade to open Ilfracombe’s magical Combe Christmas celebrations.

The parade was the starting point for the town’s annual lighting of the lights festivities which saw thousands of people turn out on a wet evening to watch the big switch on of Ilfracombe’s Christmas lights and join in the fun.

This year Ilfracombe performer Chloe Marie Aston – the piano bike girl – was guest of honour to switch on the lights and also performed too.

Above: Chloe Marie Aston, performing at Ilfracombe's Lighting of the Lights and she switched on the lights too. Credit: Tom Lamerton

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The lantern parade had a new ‘old’ addition this year with traditional withy willow lanterns fashioned at workshops in the Landmark, organised by Mel Turnbull of hand:plant, with an ‘under the sea theme.

The result was a multitude of brightly coloured and lit sea creatures, joined by junior school pupils with jam jar lanterns and some infant school pupils who had also built withy lanterns in class.

Above and below: Sea creature-themed lanterns were part of the Ilfracombe Christmas festivities. Credit: Wendy Carter

After the switch on by the war memorial, the crowd followed the lanterns and everyone else to the High Street for late night shopping, more entertainment, food and drink.

Combe Christmas organisers took to Facebook to thank all who turned out and those who sponsored the event, saying: “A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Lighting of the Lights such a truly magical and successful event.

“Your support, talent and hard work brought the whole community together and created an unforgettable evening.”

They added: “Thank you to every guest, performer, volunteer, business and supporter who made this night shine brighter than ever. There is an abundance of amazing people to mention, but just know, we are grateful for everything you do.”

Above: Spreading the festivities to Ilfracombe High Street after the switch on. Credit: Tim Lamerton

Weather permitting, the lanterns will be out again this Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7 at Ilfracombe Winter Wonderland, with lights throughout Bicclescombe Park, plus Santa's Grotto and sleigh, Christmas Craft Shopping and music and food at Bicclescombe Mill. The event runs from 4pm to 9pm both days.

**** See more pictures in the gallery above courtesy of Tim Lamerton and Wendy Carter ****