Organisers of the Machynlleth Lantern Parade are hoping to bring “light, hope and joy” to the town this Halloween, despite having to cancel their procession.

The Machynlleth Lantern Parade Committee are urging residents to light up the town by creating a “fantastic display outside homes and businesses”, after the annual parade and firework display had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

The committee, a voluntary community group, are hoping to decorate the town with the lanterns on 30 and 31 October.

Lantern-making kits will be available for purchase from Y Plas, Caffi Alys, Rag’n’Bone and Ty Maengwyn from Friday, 16 October.

Kits will cost £5 each and will include willow, glue, paper and masking tape.

Secretary and member of the Machynlleth Lantern Parade Committee, Angharad Elias said: “We hope to express the creativity that the town has in abundance, and that it brings light, hope and joy in a dark time!

“Machynlleth usually holds a spectacular lantern parade every year.

“We organise workshops in the half term week and the parade is usually held on the Friday night along with a big firework display. Last years was amazing.

“Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, we cannot hold a parade this year. However, we are hoping the town will be lit with lanterns made by individuals, families and business.

“We will be selling kits from various locations in town so that people can make them at home and decorate the streets with them on the 30 and 31 October.

“There is also a best lantern competition.”