As part of Kidsfest I have been helping school groups make paper lanterns in preparation for the lantern parade, which is the festival's opening event. We visited St Albans primary, Shirley Intermediate, Casebrooke Intermediate, St Andrews Prep school, Beckenham school and Lyttelton Main school and worked with pupils from year 4 to 8.The paper lanterns are made using tissue paper and willow and are a pretty big challenge. The mornings were spent in creative chaos making the willow frames. In the afternoons we got messy and slapped PVA glue all over the tissue paper and carefully made the skin of the lantern.

A big thanks to all the schools who took part and to all the teachers and parents who helped. I am now really looking forward to seeing all the lanterns lit up and glowing along the River in North Hagley Park on Saturday night.