The new committee organising Machynlleth’s lantern parade hopes to grow the event, find new revenue sources and make attendance more affordable.

Machynlleth town councillors heard on Monday night that the new organisers are keen to find ways to increase income, including sponsorship, make tickets cheaper for lantern-making workshops to attract more families, but also expand the event to include other areas in the Dyfi Valley and further afield.

Jeremy Paige, one of the new committee members, said they were keen to look at different ways to help the event grow.

While the event has proven hugely popular, he said the committee wanted to get more people involved in the lantern-making workshops which help to bring in income for the event, and that they were also hoping to find possible sponsorship from local businesses to help reduce ticket prices.

Cllr Glenda Jenkins said she was keen to support the event which she said attracted people to Machynlleth from a wide area.

She said: “I really want us to support this as it’s a wonderful exhibition and very artistic.”

While the parade committee was looking at a number of areas to help boost the event, including greater publicity for the parade, Mr Paige added that it was always at risk of being hit by bad weather.

Mr Paige said: “It’s only funded by public participation. While we have enough money that, if it’s raining and is a washout, everyone would get paid, it would put pressure on the next year. The finances are healthy though.”

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