Parade shines light on resilience and community spirit

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets as the annual Lismore Lantern Parade shone a light on resilience and ongoing community spirit in the region.

The event has run for more than 30 years and is organised by a core group of volunteers.

It is part of the Winter Solstice festival, with a focus on community, resilience and renewal through a night-time procession in the CBD.

The crowd was treated to an array of giant illuminated puppets, lantern floats, live drumming, dancing and street theatre.

This year, more than 2000 people carried lanterns in the parade with support from schools and community groups.

The fiery finale was based on the Return of the Sun, a nod to the Chinese Year of the Snake, and drew thousands of people inside Oakes Oval.

Event organiser Jyllie Jackson made a memorial lantern paying tribute to people who have been instrumental in the event.

“The theme is a call to return to kindness, compassion and to the deep care which makes Lismore so special,” Ms Jackson said.

“After challenging times it’s the light in each of us and that we share with one another that brings our community back to life.”

The parade showcased the dedication of volunteers, with everything from a specially designed SES tinnie to Jedi and Stormtroopers from Star Wars.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the event is a reminder of the hard work and community spirit shown since the devastating floods in 2022.

“It’s an emotional night given all the things that have happened in Lismore over the last few years,” Ms Saffin said.

“I saw the lantern parade when it started 31 years ago and it’s just grown from strength to strength.”