The lantern parade returns once more, starting from Lord Street at 6pm, going through the town centre with artist-made and community-made lanterns carried through the streets. Don’t forget to bring your own; you can join us at workshops at Gainsborough Old Hall to create your own lantern on Saturday 15th February 10am-2pm or create a light up dragon badge at Gainsborough Library on Monday 17th February 10am-12pm.
We are delighted that there have been over 20 workshops at schools and with community groups across Gainsborough, as well as public workshops at Connexions, X-Church, GAPA, Gainsborough Library and Gainsborough Old Hall. Artists from Curiosity Creators, Electric Egg, and Lumo Workshop have worked with local participants to create costumes, postcards and lanterns for our wonderful event; the creativity has involved a huge community effort. Choreographer Beth Williams has worked with G Town Dance Crew to create dance performances for the parade, which will also feature Chris Lewis Jones’ Fire Funk Samba.
The popular fire garden and eclectic performers will illuminate the grounds of All Saints’ Parish Church, from 6.30pm to 8pm, after the parade. Lanterns will also be displayed inside the church from 6pm until 8pm. The ‘Postcards from Gainsborough’ exhibition made by local school children will be on display at Gainsborough Old Hall, along with a film projection based on the postcards in the Great Hall. A short, animated film from The Future of the Past project will also be on show alongside the exhibition. The Old Hall, including its café and shop, will be open from 6pm to 8pm.
Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Stephen Bunney, said: “We have been delighted to work with so many schools across Gainsborough and the surrounding villages to create marvellous lanterns and cyanotype photographs, which will be on display at the event. We cannot wait to welcome residents and visitors back to Gainsborough for what will be a fantastic evening, when our local school children can see their creations in full illuminated glory.”
West Lindsey District Council’s event lead, Dr Anna Scott, added: “Gainsborough’s Illuminate has grown year on year since 2017, and has included some inspiring heritage-based themes that share what makes our place special. I’m proud to have worked with so many enthusiastic participants and volunteers and local talented artists to create this wonderful event once again.”
This year’s event has been made possible thanks to partnership support from All Saints’ Parish Church and English Heritage at Gainsborough Old Hall.
Further information is available by heading to https://discovergainsborough.com/illuminate-2025/
This event has been supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council’s National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England and Gainsborough Town Council.