Painting inspires Epiphany lantern parade

A painting by a British artist and one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood provides the inspiration for a joint Epiphany service by members of Manchester’s city centre churches.

A lantern parade will capture the spirit of William Holman Hunt’s painting, ‘The Light of the World’, for the church service, traditionally held on the first Sunday in January to mark the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus.

The lantern parade will begin at St Ann’s Church and head to Manchester Cathedral, accompanied by a Salvation Army band.

This year’s service, on January 4, will be led by the Bishop of Manchester and will feature a life-size reproduction of ‘The Light of the World’ inside the cathedral. The choirs of St Ann’s and the cathedral will sing throughout.

‘The Light of the World’ depicts Jesus knocking on a closed door with one hand while holding a lantern in His other hand.

An exhibition of Holman Hunt’s work is currently on display at Manchester Art Gallery until 11 January.

The free exhibition is the first to be dedicated to the artist in more than 40 years and features a rare display of all three versions of ‘The Light of the World’.