HUNDREDS of lanterns and candles will illuminate York’s Rowntree Park and its lake in March - and people are invited to get involved by dedicating a light to a loved one.

The special Lights on the Lake event replaces the Candles on the Ouse event, which launched in 2014 as part of St Leonard's Hospice’s 30th anniversary celebrations, and which involved hundreds of paper candles in the shape of water lilies floating down the river. This event was hugely popular so is returning, but this time on the lake in Rowntree Park.

The evening will take place on March 20 and will start at the main entrance to the park on Terry Avenue at 6.30pm with a lantern parade to the lake. As the sun sets, hundreds of candles will be set adrift on the lake and illuminated lanterns will light the way. Each of the water lilies can hold handwritten, personal messages of love and remembrance.

A short service will be held by spiritual care lead at the hospice, David Williamson, and there will be a choir and music to set the mood.

Sue Edwards, in memory fundraiser at the hospice, said: “It will be a lovely and moving event. Each candle will carry special and personal messages, and seeing them drift on the lake will be a beautiful spectacle. The donation for each candle goes towards helping the hospice to continue to provide outstanding care for local people and their families.

“I’d like to extend a special thank you to the Friends of Rowntree Park for all their support and John Wright Electrical who will be providing invaluable help on the night, both making the event possible.”

To dedicate a candle or lantern featuring your own special message, visit the hospice website: www.stleonardshospice.org.uk, or call Sue on 01904 777 777.