ONE of Langholm’s theatre companies is determined to do its bit to bring some cheer and light to the town which faces many challenges on top of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Normally, Centre Stage Community Theatre would be preparing for its panto which, sadly, isn’t possible this year.
As a community theatre, any activity, which involves people making and using their creativity to work towards a way of performing or celebrating, is at the heart of what the company does.
It’s already started with a community lantern-making project for all.
Many locals have started making lanterns and groups such as the Sunday Club, after-school club, Canonbie primary school, Xcel Project and Langholm Academy S1 pupils are all joining in.
Any individual, family or group can get involved and make a lantern.
Everything they need to make a lantern is provided: instructions, willow, tissue, glue, tealight and a garden cane to hang it on. And it’s all free.
Centre Stage has planned a large outdoor illumination to show off the lanterns but, because it must comply with COVID guidelines, it will be very different from usual outdoor events.
Although planned for Christmas, it depends on so many things.
But it will happen. If not when planned, it will happen as soon as it can make it happen.
Judith Johnson, Centre Stage president, said: “Langholm is well known for its fantastic community spirit.
“Well, this year during lockdown many residents, businesses and organisations have really gone that extra mile to help friends and neighbours with shopping, collecting prescriptions, making deliveries and generally reaching out with help and kindness.
“These people and organisations are our local heroes, and we would like to recognise them with a golden heart lantern.
“Centre Stage also plans an outdoor illumination to recognise our local heroes and an online celebration.”
If anyone would like to nominate a person, business or organisation which has ‘given that bit extra’, get in touch via Langholm Live or drop a note through the Welcome to Langholm shop letterbox in the Market Place with the person’s name and a sentence on why they are a local hero.
“There will be no voting and the person nominating will be anonymous.
She added: “Centre Stage has been proud to shine a light on many occasions this year with the illuminations of Langholm parish church, the monument, town hall, Buccleuch Centre and many other sites.
“Let’s make Christmas special by lighting up Langholm with lanterns.”
![](javascript:sharePopup('https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.eladvertiser.co.uk/2020-magic-lantern-show/&picture=https://www.eladvertiser.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Judith-Johson-Steph-MacKenzie-Local-Hero-Launch-scaled.jpg&title=2020 Magic Lantern Show"e=2020 Magic Lantern Show', 'Share with Facebook','600','400','100','300')){kind=link}