THOUSANDS of visitors are expected in Lismore this weekend as the city prepares to host the 32nd annual LightnUp Lantern Parade.<\/p>\n
The event will transform the CBD on Saturday 20 June, with a full day of markets, live music, performances and activities before the parade and fiery finale at Oakes Oval.<\/p>\n
Organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, the lantern parade forms part of Lismore’s winter solstice celebrations and focuses on themes of community, resilience and renewal.<\/p>\n
More than 2,000 people are set to carry lanterns in this year’s parade, alongside schools, community groups and performers, creating a colourful procession through the heart of the city.<\/p>\n
The event also highlights Lismore’s flood recovery efforts and pays tribute to local SES and emergency services.<\/p>\n
This year’s celebrations will embrace a Year of the Horse theme, inspired by the Chinese zodiac.<\/p>\n
The horse symbolises strength, energy and movement, themes that will be reflected in the finale.<\/p>\n
LightnUp chief executive Jyllie Jackson said organisers were excited to welcome the community back for another year.<\/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
Festivities will begin from 10.30am with Market deLight activating Carrington Street, Magellan Street and surrounding laneways.<\/p>\n
The market precinct will feature artisan stalls, street food, local traders, children’s activities and live entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.<\/p>\n
The parade will begin at the Kirklands Riviera car park at 5.30pm, before making its way along Magellan Street, through the Market deLight precinct, past the Lismore Library and up Dawson Street to Oakes Oval.<\/p>\n
People are encouraged to support volunteers who will be collecting donations in buckets and offering digital cards to help support the event.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THOUSANDS of visitors are expected in Lismore this weekend as the city prepares to host the 32nd annual LightnUp Lantern Parade. The event will transform the CBD on Saturday 20 June, with a full day of markets, live music, performances and activities before the parade and fiery finale at Oakes Oval. Organised by a dedicated […]<\/p>\n