After the huge success of previous years, Hexham Lantern Parade took place for the third year running on Friday 17 November 2023.
People were once again encouraged to find an existing lantern or create one at a series of free workshops at Queen’s Hall. 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 the parade.
Hexham Lantern Parade
Inviting the people of Hexham to come together outside after dark to celebrate community, music and light, Hexham Lantern Parade has now taken place three years running.
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 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."
NEW for 2023, NuSound Brass kicked-off proceedings with the spectacle and joyful sounds of New Orleans. After parading through Hexham, the band plugged themselves in under the Shambles for a scintillating set of glorious, amplified funkiness enjoyed by over 800 people.
"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 Hexham Lantern Parade is 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.
