A colourful display of creativity filled the recent Arts Whakatāne lantern-making workshops, with 126 people taking part across four free sessions at Eastbay REAP.

Led by Arts Whakatāne volunteers, the workshops attracted 76 children and 50 adults, who crafted and decorated their own lanterns using a range of designs and techniques.

Participants created everything from Hundertwasser-inspired patterns to original artworks and “stained glass” lanterns made with tracing or greaseproof paper.

Each lantern was finished with an LED light and carrying stick, ready to shine during this year’s Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne festival.

The festival’s Community Glow Parade takes places on Friday, July 17, from 5.30pm.