The Hive’s annual fun family winter lantern parade is returning next month, along with a host of other events to get people in the festive spirit.

The lantern parade will take place at 6pm on Thursday December 5, starting from Cathedral Square in Worcester where a festive concert will be happening at 5.30pm.

When this is over, the parade will make its way to the Hive, where there will be more live music from the Worcester Rock Choir.

In the weeks leading up to the parade, families are being given the opportunity to have a go at creating their own festive-lanterns at a selection of workshops at The Hive.

The first two workshops were held during the weekend just gone, but there will be two more on workshops start on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1 between 11am and noon, and 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Janine Downes, library manager at the Hive, said: “The parade, now in its eighth year, has continued to grow every year and is a fantastic family event that gets everyone in the mood for the festive period.

"It is great to see families coming together and children with their decorated lanterns taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the music as we walk through the city to the Hive.”

The Hive will also be hosting a range of other events in the build-up to Christmas including a traditional Christmas decorations craft session on Saturday, December 7, where children aged six to 12 have the opportunity to create a pomander, an authentic Elizabethan Christmas decoration to take home.

Topsy Turvy Theatre are also back the same day with a fantastically festive show. Brought to life using handmade puppets, original music and delightful storytelling, the Lost Present is an enchanting tale about true friendship. Shows are at 11.30am and 2pm.

Every Saturday and Sunday from November 23 to December 22 at 11am and 2.45pm, children are invited to attend interactive Christmas themed storytelling sessions Rat-a-Tat Tales to celebrate the festive period.

On Thursday, December 12, anyone aged 16 or over can get involved in a Christmas open mic night which will be run by the University of Worcester’s creative writing team from 7pm.

To find out more information or to book tickets please visit thehiveworcester.org/family-events.html.