A COLOURFUL musical procession of giant illuminated skulls, skeletons, dancers and lanterns made its way through Basingstoke town centre on Friday, to celebrate Mexican Day of the Dead.

Crowds lined the streets to watch the alternative Hallowe’en event at the Top of The Town, which celebrates local ancestry, culture and diversity.

Storytellers with traditional tales from Basingstoke’s past entertained people of all ages, and Market Place was lit up with a gigantic audio visual projection celebrating the lives of those who have passed on.

The new celebration, known in Mexico as Dia de los Muertos, saw the Top of The Town area come alive as crowds browsed food stalls, listened to live music performances and walked around an illuminated night market, all featuring the decorated skull motifs.

Youngsters enjoyed arts and craft activities, including a sugar skull craft workshop, lantern making and having their faces painted as skulls.

Councillor Terri Reid, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet member leading on the Town Centre Programme, said: “Mexican Day of the Dead was a great alternative to the traditional Hallowe’en festivities as it celebrates local ancestry and diversity – this was really reflected in the tales of the town’s past that it brought to life.

“It was great to see the number of residents who joined in the spirit of things and got involved Alongside the community and dance groups performing, children made and carried lanterns and loads of local people took part in the parade or in the film that was projected onto the Willis Museum.”

The new event received funding from Arts Council England and was supported by Hampshire Cultural Trust. It is part of the borough council’s programme of events to attract more visitors to Top of The Town.

It was delivered by Proteus Theatre Company in association with Big Adventures event management.