A SPECIAL evening lantern parade to mark the anniversary of a Bromsgrove arts centre is being held this weekend.

The Artrix Centre, in School Drive, is this year celebrating its 10th birthday and the special event is being held this Saturday, April 25.

A lantern parade has been organised and a number of groups are supporting the event including Sidemoor, Dodford and Meadows First schools, Amber Support, the YMCA youth group, Heart of Worcestershire College, the Brownies, Guides and Avoncroft Museum.

Workshops have been run to produce large lanterns for the parade, which has been organised by Artrix Learning and Engagement and Walk the Plank.

People are being encouraged to watch the parade which gathers in Bromsgrove High Street from 8pm. The parade will then travel to the School Drive-based centre at 8.30pm.

Anyone can join in on the day, by bringing their own battery powered lanterns to carry.

From 9pm there will be a free outdoor performance of Spellbound by outdoor specialists Walk the Plank on the Artrix Terrace at the venue, and fireworks.

To celebrate a first successful decade, there is also an exhibition in the Artrix's foyer.

This tells the story of how the venue was established after local art groups lobbied for a centre, and features the official opening by the Duke of Gloucester in April 2005.

The exhibition will also be being shown at Bromsgrove Library this summer.

Nick Clarke, Spellbound’s artistic director, said: ‘Spellbound is a timeless tale of good versus evil, of love and of overcoming the odds.

"As a fantastic traditional piece of storytelling it ticks every box, plus there’re some great characters."

He added that the story is told an original way through shadow-play, puppetry, dancers, music, special effects and much more.

Ros Robins, Artrix interim director, said: "It promises to be a wonderful birthday party and a great way to celebrate the first decade of Artrix.

"We’re hoping that as many local people as possible will come along on the 25th and enjoy the celebrations."