LISMORE’S Lantern Parade will return next month, with organisers preparing for thousands of people to again fill the CBD for one of the region’s longest running community events.<\/p>\n
Now in its 32nd year, the event will take over the city on Saturday, June 20, with a full day of markets, live music, performances and community activities before the parade and Fiery Finale at Oakes Oval.<\/p>\n
The Lantern Parade has become one of the Northern Rivers’ best known annual events, drawing visitors from across the region and transforming Lismore’s streets into a large scale celebration of art, performance and community participation.<\/p>\n
This year’s event will centre on a Year of the Horse theme, inspired by one of the animals of the Chinese zodiac.<\/p>\n
Organisers said the theme would shape the Fiery Finale, with the horse symbolising strength, energy and movement during the closing performance.<\/p>\n
LightnUp chief executive Jyllie Jackson said organisers were excited to once again deliver the event for the community.<\/p>\n
“We’re incredibly proud to have been bringing the Lantern Parade to Lismore for more than 30 years and to see it continue to grow each year,” she said.<\/p>\n
“This year’s event is shaping up to be something really special and we can’t wait to share it with the community.”<\/p>\n
The day will begin from 10.30am with Market deLight activating Carrington Street, Magellan Street and surrounding laneways with artisan market stalls, street food, local traders, kids’ activities and live entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.<\/p>\n
The Heartbeats Festival Stage will also return with local musicians, performers and community acts, headlined by Emily Lubitz, while Enchanted Windows installations will once again illuminate shopfronts across the city centre.<\/p>\n
A new addition this year is the HEART LIGHT Wearable Arts Spectacular at Star Court Theatre on June 18.<\/p>\n
The event will feature illuminated artworks and wearable designs with a sustainability focus, with selected pieces also appearing in the Lantern Parade itself.<\/p>\n
The Lantern Parade will step off from the Kirklands Riviera carpark at 5.30pm before travelling along Magellan Street and Dawson Street and finishing at Oakes Oval.<\/p>\n
The celebrations will conclude with the Fiery Finale, combining large scale lanterns, theatrical performances, fire installations and fireworks.<\/p>\n
Lismore City Council deputy mayor Jeri Hall said the event continued to play an important role in bringing people into the city and supporting local businesses.<\/p>\n
“The Lantern Parade is one of Lismore’s most loved events, attracting visitors from across the region and creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city centre,” Hall said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LISMORE’S Lantern Parade will return next month, with organisers preparing for thousands of people to again fill the CBD for one of the region’s longest running community events. Now in its 32nd year, the event will take over the city on Saturday, June 20, with a full day of markets, live music, performances and community […]<\/p>\n