THE festive spirit was well and truly alive in Winchester as thousands enjoyed the city’s popular annual lantern procession.

• Winchester Lantern Parade 2015 - in pictures >>

Hundreds of children displayed lanterns of all shapes and sizes at Winchester Cathedral before the procession, which is in its eighth year, headed off.

Despite windy and rainy weather, thousands lined the paths outside the Cathedral cheering and clapping as the procession passed by.

More than 200 children clung on tightly to their treasured creations amid gusty conditions as they paraded through to The Square, Lime Avenue and back to the Cathedral.

The procession ended in style with carols on the green outside the cathedral and a spectacular fireworks display.

Many of the lanterns were home-made while others were made at Bellacrafts in Fair Oak, which held lantern making sessions.

Bellacrafts owner Belinda Poore said: “We love running the lantern workshops. We had 200 people come through our doors. I always think it really marks the start of Christmas.”

Vice-Dean of Winchester Cathedral, the Rev Canon Roly Riem, said: “It is a wonderful thing people often come together as families and communities and this is the first thing they do together before Christmas.”

• Winchester Lantern Parade 2015 - in pictures >>

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