THE Royal Shakespeare Company is inviting families to create special star shaped willow lanterns and take part in a festive winter procession.

This will be followed by a ceilidh, as part of the Company’s Winter’s Night family activities, this December.

A spokesman said: "People taking part in the free procession, which starts at the Bancroft Terrace on Saturday December 3, from 2pm to 5pm, can create willow lanterns at one of three workshops devised by artists Julia Clarke and Emily Tracy."

These workshops will take place on Saturday November 19, Saturday November 26 and again on Saturday December 3, from 2pm to 5pm, at The Other Place.

The spokesman added: "The procession is followed by a festive ceilidh, similar to a barn dance where a caller explains the moves, in the Studio Theatre at The Other Place with music provided by English folk dance band Banter. Hot dogs and festive punch will also be on offer.

"The lanterns will then be on display in the foyer area of The Other Place together with a shadow box, which reflects silhouettes of winter trees and birds, which will light up the theatre space over December and the New Year."

Louisa Davies, RSC Events Manager, said: “Following on from the success of our Midsummer offer over the summer, which celebrated the longest day of the year, it was only right that we marked the approaching Winter Solstice with a range of family friendly activities.

“We hope people will come along and take part in these fantastic festive winter workshops, show off their creation in our special procession and then enjoy some ceilidh dancing. Now that the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death is almost at a close, what better way to mark the end of this great year and the arrival of the next.”

For more information visit - www.rsc.org.uk/events/a-winters-night