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On 10 December, the Light Up New Romney volunteers will be holding their annual Christmas Parade.

Light Up New Romney applied to Kent Community Foundation for a grant towards their November lantern making workshops and safety equipment for their annual December Christmas Parade and received a grant of £1,100.

Established in 2017, Light Up New Romney offers free lantern making workshops and organises a festive parade and late-night shopping for the community of New Romney. This year the Light Up New Romney late night shopping event and lantern parade will be held on 10 December when the community will also enjoy a Christmas market.

Caroline Wire, Team Leader, Light Up New Romney, said “Before Light Up New Romney was created in 2017, there had been no festive events or late-night shopping in the town for over a decade and there were many complaints from residents, but no one had taken the initiative to revitalise the town in winter. It was disappointing to see that people left New Romney to do their Christmas shopping elsewhere, affecting both local businesses and community spirit. We decided to do something to revive community spirit and Light up New Romney was born - a community lantern parade organised entirely by a team of volunteers. Thanks to the funding we have received from Kent Community Foundation, we've been able to run a series of free lantern-making workshops for both community groups and the wider public that have been attended by over 250 people."

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation, said, “Kent Community Foundation was delighted to support this grassroots organisation with a grant of £1,100 from the Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm Community Fund. Their commitment to improving the festive period for the whole community by offering free lantern workshops and a Christmas parade has made such a positive impact to everyone in New Romney.”  

MASSIVE 'thank you ' to everyone at Kent Community Foundation. Your funding support is HUGELY appreciated and has enabled us to get into the heart of local communities with REAL, affordable, healthy and tasty food that does so much more than feed people.

Community chef Mike Spackman, Sheppey Matters

KCF's enthusiasm for what we are doing and hoping to do, coupled with helpful advice, gave us the confidence to take this daunting step which has paid off.

Liz Turner, Octopus Foundation

It's great having a foundation that empowers organisations and charities in our community to make real positive differences and changes!

Tom, MMK Mind