Hexham Lantern Parade 2026
Save the date: Friday 13 November
Watch this space for further information, including drop-in sessions to create lanterns and take part in the parade.
In the meantime, take a look at our latest announcement...
Hexham Lantern Parade
We are delighted to announce that with generous support from EGGER, the Hexham Lantern Parade will return this November.
After taking a break in 2025, Queen’s Hall is delighted to confirm the free parade will return to the town on Friday 13 November, thanks to sponsorship from EGGER.
If you're interested in having a conversation about sponsorship or funding, email Helen Mills, Audience and Sales Manager.
A look back over the years...
In 2024, Hexham Lantern Parade took place for the fourth year running!
For the first time, members of Gateway into the Community worked with artists Deni Riach and Ruth Thompson to create a giant train lantern to lead the parade.
Presented by our friends at Curious Arts, Groove and Glow kicked-off proceedings with timeless disco hits. After parading through Hexham, the vibrant, “glowing disco on wheels” led people to the Shambles inviting everyone to join in, dance, and light-up the night!
Photos by Bob Turner
In 2023, NuSound Brass brought their joyful sounds of New Orleans to Hexham.
After parading through town, the band plugged themselves in under the Shambles for a scintillating set of glorious, amplified funkiness enjoyed by over 800 people.
Here's a look back at the first Hexham Lantern Parade in 2021 where the community came together with their lanterns and The Baghdaddies entertained the crowds. The band later returned due to popular demand for the 2022 event!
Pupils from Hexham First School and The Sele First School worked with artists Deni Riach and Alan Scully to create giant dragon and dragonfly lanterns to lead past parades.
"The lantern project was an invaluable experience for the children at Sele First. Not only did they have the unique opportunity to work with industry artists, they could also take part in the parade, carrying the lantern through Hexham in what was a memorable community event."
"Being part of the incredible lantern parade through Hexham was a magical opportunity for our children to shine, grow in confidence and show off their spectacular illuminated dragon. A huge thank you to the Queens Hall and artist Deni Riach for providing this opportunity ."
The 2024 Hexham Lantern Parade was presented by the Hexham Culture Network, led by Queen’s Hall Arts and Hexham Community Partnership with the support of the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
It was first created as part of Hexham’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, which helped fund the first two years of the event.
