Magical lanterns inspired by nature to light Gloucester’s Streets

Gloucester’s traditional Lantern Parade will return this year with nature as its theme, bringing the city’s streets alive with shoals of magical fish, colonies of ants and busy bees.

The annual festive parade transforms the city’s streets into a wintry wonderland, as children from across Gloucester show off their brightly lit creations. Organised by Gloucester City Council and Gloucester BID, it’s part of the Bright Nights season that runs until March next year, and aims to bring light and entertainment to Gloucester as the nights draw in.

This year the parade is on Saturday, November 15, with lanterns handmade by five local schools; Beech Green Primary School, Calton Road Primary School, Hillview Primary School, Kingsholm C of E Primary School and Nursery, Upton St Leonards Primary School. And for the first time, community groups from the Folk of Gloucester, Bridge Training and Gloucester Children’s Centre, will also take part.

Everyone has worked with local artists following a theme of ‘Communities in Nature’, looking at how animals and nature work together to support each other and continuing the theme from Refugee week, ‘Community as a Superpower’.

The event begins at 3.45pm in Kings Square, where visitors can enjoy a programme of music and entertainment hosted by BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Jon Smith. At 4pm, a community carol service will be held at Gloucester Cathedral, followed by live music outside as the parade assembles. The parade itself starts at 4.50pm, led by Father Christmas and the Gloster Gladiators Scout Band. As the procession moves through the city, the Christmas lights will illuminate in its wake.

Music will be provided by The Salvation Army Band, Gloucester Dementia Choir and Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra for the Rotary Club fundraiser and the switch on of the Tree of Light at 5.35pm, with music until 6pm.

There will also be a free drop-in workshop with artist Russell Haines funded by Together Gloucester, where visitors can make a ‘Dove of Peace’ for an artwork to be displayed in the city centre in the New Year. 

Councillor Caroline Courtney, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said “The annual lantern parade brings thousands of people into our city and is a magical event for many of us in Gloucester filled with happy memories. It’s a lovely atmosphere and a time for us to come together and celebrate the unique spirit that makes our community so special.”

Emily Gibbon, manager at Gloucester BID said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to once again be part of this magical event alongside Gloucester City Council. The Lantern Parade and Christmas Light Switch On are real highlights of the year and fill the city with festive cheer. It’s wonderful to see so many people visit our historic Gate Streets to celebrate, support local businesses, and experience the incredible atmosphere that makes Gloucester so special at Christmas.”

Over half term a series of workshops will also take place for children and young people who wish to join the parade. In the workshop, local artist Ally Goff, will work with participants to create a lantern from recycled materials:

Tuesday 28 October, 1.30 – 3.30pm – The Folk, Westgate Street
Saturday 1 November, 11am – 3pm – The Folk, Westgate Street

For more information, Visit Gloucester or find out more about Bright Nights here