THERE has been a sea change this year for one of the shining stars of a town's calendar - the Ulverston Lantern Festival.

For decades the festival has enjoyed a spectacular firework finale in Ford Park as thousands crowd in to see the display.

However, this Saturday (16) change is in the air with organisers opting to conclude the luminous spectacle in the town centre.

Lanterns committee chairman, Chris Nelson, was certain the festival in a new location would be as successful as ever.

He said: "The decision not to take the procession up to Ford Park is a big change for the festival but it will provide more opportunities for pubs, cafes, takeaways and traders in the town to really get behind the festival and provide a warm welcome for the thousands of visitors.

"We are taking over Buxton Place car park as one main arena for displaying the lanterns. Other display areas will be at the Market Cross outside the Farmers Arms, at the bottom of Market Street near Gillams, and at County Square.

David Heffernan, a trustee of the Ford Park Community Group, hoped the festival would soon return to the park.

He said: "We wish the lantern committee every success. I know from our side, last year there were concerns about the long time it took people getting in to the park.

"We'd have it back at Ford Park, absolutely. The Lantern Festival and carnival have always happened in Ford Park. Hosting is in our DNA."

This year the streets of the town will be turned into a "river of light" with a space age twist.

Click here to find out more about the lantern festival.

The theme chosen was outer space, providing lanterneers with a solar system worth of inspiration for their lanterns.

Workshops are still taking place in town for any latecomers to the festival to make their mark.

There are four start locations for the lantern festival. They are at the parish church, in Church Walk; North Lonsdale Terrace; the Hillfoot Hotel car park on the A590; and Central Drive in Croftlands.

The processions will set off from 7.45pm onward, meeting in the town centre by 8.30pm.

Read more about the Lantern Festival:

Local students made their own lanterns with the help of a LED firm

There is still time to make your own lantern - here's how you can

See pictures from Ulverston Lantern Festivals of yesteryear with our nostalgia gallery