WREN Music has unveiled details about a spectacular new community project and the workshops leading up to the event.

The first Okehampton Lanterns Procession will take place on Thursday February 23. The folk and community arts charity is organising the event.

Inspired by the East and West Okement rivers, columns of lanterns will start off at Okehampton Rugby Club and Giblands at 6pm, and join up for a finale in Simmons Park.

Both processions will have a large lantern made especially for the project by kinetic artist Gavin Lewery.

The lantern walkers will be joined by singers and drummers, as well as performances by the West Devon Folk Choir and Okehampton Youth Roots Ensemble.

People of all ages will be able to take part by joining in the procession, watching the two processions through the streets of the town, taking part in the lantern making workshops, or join in the finale at the park.

All the events are free for all thanks to funding from Okehampton United Charity and Devon County Council.

Staff from Wren Music will be helping a wide range of community, school and family groups make lanterns in the weeks leading up to the procession. During the half-term week, there will be a series of workshops open to the public where people can make their own lantern.

The lanterns are made from withies, craft tissue paper, tape and glue with a candle inside. Each takes about two hours to make, and no experience is necessary. The process can be messy, so anyone coming along to a workshop is advised to wear suitable clothes.

The workshops will take place from 11am to 3.30pm from Monday February 13 to Thursday February 16. Okehampton Rugby Club will host the first two workshops on February 13 and 14. The workshops on February 15 and 16 will take place at the St John Ambulance Community Space at Hameldown Business Park.

Okehampton and District Community Transport Group will provide a free minibus to and from the workshops. The first is leaving Giblands at 10.50am. For any transport enquiries, call 07805 639195.

All children of a primary school age must be accompanied to a workshop and the procession by a responsible adult.

For further information visit http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk or call 01837 53754.