To mark the end of New Mills Festival (don't ask, I have no idea what else went on really, apart from bits of knitting wrapped around lampposts/bikes/even a car) there was a lantern parade. All sounds quite hippy but was actually quite cool, loads of people had created amazing lanterns - including a giant penguin (easily 6ft tall) not sure what variety but impressive nonetheless and came accompanied by bona fida penguin noises recorded in Antarctica.
The parade started in the centre of town and went down the Torrs, along the Millenium Walkway which was all lit with flaming torches, past the crag which had a even lantern climber halfway up Electric Circus. I also noticed that strung in the archway of the bridge was a chandelier of lights all strapped onto the bolts recently placed - good to see they have come in useful for something else. Hmm, maybe that's why New Mills Town Council were so keen!
The parade finished up at the playing field behind Swizzles with dodgy local band White Van Man (some bloke out of Emmerdale apparently) and fireworks.
An unusual way to spend a friday evening, and exhausting as I then got roped into giving Ruth's nephew a pretty lengthy shoulder ride - how heavy is a 6 year old???
Anyway, took a bunch of photos so here are some to have a look at.
I'm sure most people realise that without Ruth I would be in a technology desert - luckily she seems to be on hand most of the time and has spent all afternoon behind at least 2 computers trying to get my lecture for Edinburgh Film Festival sorted out. What have I been doing??? Ermm, unpacking a box of shiny new kit from Mountain Equipment and bringing her cans of coke on request.
Thought I'd better let you know where the view was from - congratulations to Coops and especially Tommy B who left their guesses - you are right it was Dovestones Quarry, and the Lower Right Hand bit so the only bit that you didn't get quite right was the route! Nice of you to think I was on Bob Hope, but we were on a photography mission with Dan Lane and so he had specific routes he wanted me to do. First up was Ace of Spades at Dovestones Quarry, then Vanessa Hole at the Duckstones (and it really does look like a duck!), and finishing off with Broomstick at the Charnel Stones. The classic at this crag is an E4 slab called Wastelands - a Steve Bancroft frightener. Looked great but not for a cold and windy day.
An unusual way to spend a friday evening, and exhausting as I then got roped into giving Ruth's nephew a pretty lengthy shoulder ride - how heavy is a 6 year old???
