Lanterns will light up the night in a glowing display of creativity and community spirit.
The ninth annual Stacksteads Lantern Festival will take place in Rossendale on Saturday, October 17, bringing together people of all ages to create and parade illuminated lanterns through the streets.
Organised by the Stacksteads Countryside Park Group, the event encourages participants to design lanterns in free workshops before showcasing them in a magical procession through Riverside Park and surrounding areas.
Parade co-ordinator Rachel Taylor said: “I have been involved with the lantern parade since it started and, as my interest in arts has developed, I have become more active in producing lanterns and working alongside Ruth Evans.
“It is very busy in the workshops with lots of people, and it is really nice to see parents coming in with their children and although their children do art in school often, for the parents, it is the first time they have done art since they were at school.
"This year I have stepped up to also co-ordinate the parade.”
Four free lantern-making sessions will be held at Globe Arts, Toll Bar Mill, every Saturday from September 19 to October 10, from 11am to 3pm.
The workshops, led by artist Ruth Evans and her volunteers, guide children and adults in constructing willow lanterns illuminated with battery-operated lights.
Clare Di Murro, who is supporting the event and will take part dressed as a jellyfish, said: "I moved here about three years ago and I didn’t know anything about Stacksteads Countryside Park Group, then a friend put me in touch with them."
Read more
Rossendale Works praise for its "human approach" to employment and wellbeing
Hundreds attend eighth annual Stacksteads Lantern Festival
Organisers are seeking additional marshals to help ensure the parade runs safely.
Volunteers can get in touch through the group’s Facebook page.
The festival first began in 2015 but paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the break, organisers distributed lantern kits for people to use at home.
The parade returned in 2022 and has grown steadily since.
The event is supported by a range of funders, including Grantscape, Rossendale Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, the Community Foundation for Lancashire, a Lancashire County Council Local Members Grant, and the Mayor of Rossendale’s Charity Fund.
Entertainment on the night will include a performance by the Rossendale Drum Majorettes, who will accompany the procession with music.
The festival will conclude in the car park of Toll Bar, where attendees will be offered potatoes and refreshments.
Share