Winter Light Festivals - Part 1 - Light up the Dark!

As we head towards winter, we know your mind and hands are turning to the Lantern festivals we all love!

We have put together a summary of some of the best ones in the UK for you - and there are lots, so this is Part 1!

And if you think we have missed one your involved in or love, please let us know!

Newington Lights Procession, Ramsgate 

with Future Foundry

The Newington Lights Procession is a vibrant and community-driven festival that took place for the first time on October 20, 2023, in Newington, Ramsgate. It is back in 2024 on Friday 18th of October.

A celebration of cultural diversity and community spirit, bringing together residents, local schools and artists for a spectacular evening of light, music and performance.

Parade participants will gather with lanterns they have made in workshops held across the community and then will proceed through Ramsgate showing off their makes.

The event aims to foster community cohesion and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the area​

Find out more at Future Foundry

Festival of Light 2024, Newbury

The Festival of Light 2024 in Newbury is scheduled for Sunday, December 15th and promises to be a magical winter celebration that brings the community together. Organized by the Corn Exchange Newbury, this annual event will transform the town centre into a "twinkling wonderland" with a lantern procession that begins on Northbrook Street at 4:30 PM and culminates in the Market Place, where there will be live music and a festive atmosphere.

In the lead-up to the festival, there will be lantern-making workshops available to the public, schools and community groups, giving everyone the chance to create their own lanterns to carry during the procession. There are some amazing free workshops including Lantern Making for the Brave - perfect if you want more experience with wet strength tissue paper.

The festival is suitable for all ages and is a FREE event, making it accessible for everyone to join in the fun​

Photo Credit: Newbury Corn Exchange

Find out more at Newbury Corn Exchange

Glow Wild @ Wakehurst 

 

This is an enchanting winter lantern trail held annually at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden located in Sussex. The event typically runs from late November to early January and transforms the beautiful grounds of Wakehurst into a magical after-dark experience.

Highlights of Glow Wild:

1. Lantern Trail: The trail features a stunning array of handcrafted lanterns, illuminating the gardens and woodlands. Each year has a different theme, with past installations including giant owls, flowers and intricate light sculptures inspired by nature.

2. Projection Mapping and Light Installations: The event also incorporates state-of-the-art projection mapping and immersive light installations that highlight the natural beauty of the landscape and historic buildings.

3. Interactive and Artistic Displays: Visitors can enjoy interactive elements and artistic displays that bring together light, sound and nature in a unique, family-friendly experience.

4. Festive Atmosphere: Along the trail, there are opportunities to enjoy seasonal food and drinks, making it a perfect outing for the holiday season.

Glow Wild is a ticketed event and due to its popularity, it often sells out quickly.

This event is widely regarded as one of the UK's most beautiful winter light displays, attracting visitors from across the region to experience the wonder and beauty of Wakehurst in a completely new light.

Photo Credit: Kew@Wakehurst

For more details and to book tickets, you can visit the Wakehurst website.

Burning of the Clocks, Brighton

with Same Sky

 

Burning of the Clocks is a unique and enchanting event held annually in Brighton, England, typically on the Winter Solstice (around December 21st). The festival was created in 1994 by the arts charity Same Sky as a way for the people of Brighton to celebrate the winter solstice regardless of their religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds.

Key Features of the Event:

Lantern Parade: The highlight of the event is a large lantern parade through the streets of Brighton. Participants create their own lanterns, often made from paper and willow and adorned with personal symbols, designs, or even wishes. These lanterns represent hopes and dreams, which are then carried through the city.
Burning of the Clocks: After the parade, participants gather on Brighton Beach where the lanterns are thrown into a large bonfire, symbolically burning away the old year and welcoming the new. This act represents the letting go of past worries, fears, or burdens.
Community Involvement: The event is very much community-driven, with local schools, artists and residents all contributing to the creation of the lanterns and the overall festivities. It’s a family-friendly event that draws thousands of spectators and participants each year.

The event has grown over the years and is now one of Brighton's most beloved cultural events, providing a creative and non-commercial way for people to come together during the darkest time of the year.

Burning the Clocks is a free, un-ticketed public event to view  - but if you want to walk in the procession - which is unforgettable - you need to make your own lantern using Same Sky's Glow Lantern kits! These are different each year and can be purchase from venues around the city - see Same Sky for more information. 

Photo Credit : Same Sky

Farsley Light Parade, Farsley

 

The Farsley Light Parade, also known as the Farsley Christmas Lights Switch-On, is a beloved annual event in the village of Farsley, near Leeds. This festive celebration is one of the highlights of the local calendar, drawing thousands of visitors to the area.

It is easy to get involved, join one of their many FREE Lantern Workshops in the run up to the parade - book here

The event typically features a lantern parade that winds its way through the heart of Farsley along Town Street, creating a magical atmosphere with lights and decorations. The parade includes various participants, such as local schools, community groups and even Santa Claus, who often makes an appearance on his sleigh.

In addition to the parade, the evening includes a Christmas market held at Sunny Bank Mills, offering a variety of festive goods and a funfair at the Charles Street car park. The event culminates with the official switch-on of the Christmas lights and a fireworks display, lighting up the night sky.

The Farsley Light Parade has a rich history, dating back to the 1980s and it continues to be a cherished tradition in the community​

This is just a small handful of the parades coming this year - keep an eye out for our next blog with even more!

Inspired? - Why not try out the Carnival Papers Make Your Own Lantern Kit!