The annual Totton Lantern Parade has taken place with bright lights illuminating the night sky.

The festive event saw the community come together as families could enjoy a funfair, market, and food stalls – before lanterns were paraded in the War Memorial car park later in the evening.

New Forest District councillor, Caroline Rackham – who attended the parade and assisted in making and decorating lanterns – hailed the evening as “fantastic”.

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Speaking to the Echo, she said: “The turnout for the Lantern procession was really great despite the weather, so it was fabulous to have so many community groups all coming together for the event. 

“Local schools, community arts groups like Fluid Motion and Culture in Common, local businesses like Henry Powell and Eight, it’s fantastic to have all the community coming together. It was a great excuse to get out my Elf outfit.”

The parade took place on Sunday.