Moonraker

It was the biennial Moonraking Festival in Slaithwaite tonight. This moon is floated down the canal by gnomes and then "raked out" by costume-wearing ladies wielding hay rakes. It then heads a long procession around the town, in which the townsfolk bear large willow lanterns aloft, interspersed with bands and stilt walkers. As this was the landmark 30th anniversary of the festival, there was a landmark theme to the lanterns. There were some splendid examples including the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, Easter Island Statues, the Angel of the North, and many others. When the procession finishes the moon is hoisted over the crowds and fireworks complete the evening's entertainment. The pubs and takeaways were doing a roaring trade, and great fun was had by all.
Apparently the story tells how a band of smugglers would hide their illegal bounty brought in by narrow boat under the canal bridge. On the night of a full moon, they took their rakes and went to fish out one of the barrels of rum, but they were caught in the act by the militia. They avoided arrest by claiming to be out ‘Moonraking’, the reflection of the full moon being clearly seen in the water.
Robert10 and I had a very pleasant, though chilly evening. I think that was the Eiffel Tower on the moon; either that or it was just pleased to see so many people!
The Story of the Slaithwaite Moonraking