Organisers of Machynlleth’s Lantern Parade are gearing up for the biggest event yet after their expansion plans paid off.

The parade will take place on Friday, 1 November at 6.30pm.

But before then there will be lantern-building workshops at a reduced price to last year, with proceeds going toward the event which has also attracted funding from local businesses.

The popular event will go ahead unless there is “very extreme weather”.

Jeremy Paige, chair of the Machynlleth Lantern Parade, said there would be a lantern-building competition for local primary schools in Machynlleth, Carno, Glantwymyn, Pennal, Llanbrynmair and Corris, with a trophy awarded for the best lantern at the end.

Workshops will be held during half-term week at a range of locations with a £5 entrance fee for adults and £2 for children under 16.

Jeremy said: “There will be four public lantern-building workshops at Machynlleth Owain Glyndwr Institute, Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and Ynyshir RSPB during half term week.”

He added: “There has been fantastic financial support from local businesses and individuals.

“The parade is entirely funded by voluntary donations and entrance fees.”