STUDENTS were given a masterclass in wiring LED lights by a specialist manufacturer to give them the edge with their "outer space" creations for Ulverston Lantern Festival.

Marl International is one of the principal sponsors of the festival for 2017 and is donating hundreds of LED lights to use in the lanterns which will be showcased through the streets of Ulverston on Saturday September 16.

A team from Marl, in Ulverston, worked with the Year Eight pupils at Ulverston Victoria High School on how to solder connections for the lights, while lanterns committee treasurer, Gavin Knott, helped them to construct the lanterns from willow withies and paper, which will reflect the outer space theme.

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Marl International marketing manager Arianna Rawlinson said: “Marl is delighted to have had the opportunity over the past couple of years to be more involved with Ulverston. Sponsorship to support the rejuvenated lantern festival street party includes an additional £1,000 of support for UVHS providing LEDs and components, plus a training workshop to inspire our brilliant young people by giving them a taste of optoelectronics in the real world.

“We have also illuminated the Hoad monument with our colour-changing LED lights which now gives the town the option to celebrate festivals and notable events with an appropriate colour.”

For 2017 the finale of the Ulverston Lantern Festival will create a street party atmosphere in the town centre, where families can enjoy the fantastic lanterns created for the event, listen to the music from the parade bands and view the fireworks.

Ford Park hopes to provide the main parking for the event, which will reduce the number of road closures needed, and provide an easier route for spectators heading for home.

The town centre finale will also give more pubs, cafes and town centre traders the opportunity to be involved with and benefit from the festival. Bands will be performing in Buxton Place car park, The Market Cross, Lloyds bank corner and outside The Coronation Hall, helping to spread the fun across the town centre. The firework finale is planned so that it will be visible to the main spectator groups in the town centre.

Chris Nelson, chairman of the lantern festival, said: “We hope everyone will welcome the changes which are designed to secure the future of the festival as one of the stand-out events on the town’s event calendar, and we hope everyone will get behind the event to help it ‘boldy go’ forward with our 'outer space' adventure for 2017."