The event is only three years old, but already the youngsters love the Festival of Light Parade - St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

The event is only three years old, but already the youngsters love the Festival of Light Parade St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

RIVER OF LIGHTS THROUGH JAMESTOWN | Sharon Henry

Three nights before Christmas, the streets of Jamestown exploded in a dazzling feast of colour and light as the St Helena Festival of Lights 2014 parade organised by Pilling Primary School, gaily ‘danced down the street’ spreading cheer to hundreds of onlookers lining the pavements.

It was a sight to behold, enhanced by the darkness of night. A river like procession sparkling through the town. Hordes of revellers of all ages draped in battery operated fairy lights accessorised with spinning, flashing and sparkling LED gadgets.

St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

Setting the mood for Christmas – St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

The cheerleaders of Pilling Primary School - St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

The cheerleaders of Pilling Primary School – St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

 

Leading the way was the ‘Festival of Lights’ float fashioned from rope lighting, closely followed by a gaggle of gleeful, primary school cheerleaders, showing off their well rehearsed routines.

There were plenty of creative costumes; a luminous Star of Bethlehem, umpteen Santas, fairies, elves and angels, a human sized present, a Transformer, Frozen’s Princess Elsa – even a scary ghoul, an obvious Halloween leftover.

Sales of novelty lights must have gone through the roof for local shops. Glow sticks, necklaces, bracelets, rings, hair bands, swords – anything that glowed was used.

We weaved amongst the spectacle, cameras in hand to capture the fun. The atmosphere was infectious and electric – literally. Floats, cars, trucks and beach buggies, absolutely dripping with decorations and lights running off portable generators, as they pumped out heart-thumping Christmas music to create the party vibe.

The main mile long street of Jamestown was packed out and it was fascinating to see so many people come together for the celebration. Young faces looked on in awe at passing reindeer, sleighs and Christmas trees. There was plenty of waving to Santa.

A small collection of motorised toy cars and quad bikes were being quite expertly driven by little people.

 

St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

Revellers of all ages enjoyed the night out at the St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

 

Frozen's Princess Elsa made an appearance on the night - St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

Frozen’s Princess Elsa made an appearance on the night – St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

 

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes took part

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes joined in the St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

 

 

Leading the parade, the Festival of Lights sign vehicle

Leading the parade, the Festival of Lights sign vehicle

 

Even a Transformer made it into the Christmas parade

Even a Transformer made it into the St Helena Festival of Lights 2014 Christmas parade

 

 

The police helped light up the night

The police helped light up the night

 

Festival of Lights 05

A scary ghoul hung around after Halloween to be come a Christmas ghoul!

 

St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

The RMS St Helena float drifting gently through Main Street at the St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

 

A well lit Christmas present in the parade - St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

A well lit Christmas present in the parade – St Helena Festival of Lights 2014

 

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There were a few well lit Christmas trees on show

 

People of all ages enjoying the parade

People of all ages enjoying the parade

 

 

Pilling Primary School's headteacher, Elaine Benjamin, organised the event once again.

Pilling Primary School’s headteacher, Elaine Benjamin, organised the event once again.

 

A few hundred people lined the route to enjoy the parade

A few hundred people lined the route to enjoy the parade

 

Even the police joined in the spirit of the night, flashing the red and blue lights on their Land Rover as they escorted the procession.

Bringing up the rear was an excellent nautical float, built on top of a lorry; the yellow funnel of the island’s supply ship, RMS St Helena, emblazoned with the sea serpent crest and complete with smoke effects. Earlier in 2014, the vessel itself celebrated 25 years of service to the island.

Everyone was in a good mood, laughing, dancing, catching up with old friends and posing for selfies.

The event is new, organised by Pilling Primary PTA each year. Embedded within the parade, smiling, costumed members of the PTA jangled collection tins, which prompted quick grabs for wallets.

The procession came to a stop in the Grand Parade square and we were treated to a finale of singing, cheerleader routines and hip hop dancing on the Court House steps.

This was the best turnout to date for the Festival of Lights. After just three years since it began, this has now probably become the most eagerly anticipated fixture on the St Helena Christmas calendar. This extravaganza should thaw the heart of any Scrooge; if this doesn’t get you in the mood for Christmas – nothing will.

The night was rounded off with singing performances outside the Court House in the Parade Square

The night was rounded off with singing performances outside the Court House in the Parade Square